JIBC Research Brief Research Brief Principle Researcher(s) & Affiliation(s) JIBC Library and Student Academic Success Marjory Jardine JIBC Library Date: April 2018 This is a follow-up to the "Research Skills and the Real World" survey conducted in 2017 by Florence Daddey and Marjory Jardine at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). The 2018 survey repeated the Library portion of the 2017 survey in which fourth year Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies (BLES) students were asked about their perception of the impact the Library had on their academic success and the development of their research skills. Research Field Student Involvement BLES students in final term In the 2018 survey, additional questions were included in order to identify students' perceptions of how and where they learn APA Style. The 2018 survey also differed from the 2017 survey in that only three questions regarding the Student Research Skills Development Framework (SRSDF) were included in 2018 compared with 13 in 2017. Partners & Collaborators Florence Daddey, JIBC Methods After receiving ethics approval from the JIBC Ethics Review Board, an anonymous online survey (Fluid Survey) was distributed via email to all 28 students in their final term of the Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies (BLES) program. A visit to the class advised students to expect the email. Two reminder emails were sent after the initial email and class visit. Questions were mixed, including: yes/no; ranking answers on a scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree; comments section. Funding Sources N/A Project Period From: (Month/Year) 02/2018 To: (Month/Year) 04/2018 ‐ Funded ‐ In Kind ‐ Total $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 Questions covered: Library use; perceived impact of Library resources/services on academic success & research skills development; APA knowledge prior to joining JIBC; acquisition of APA knowledge at the JIBC; and, student knowledge of the SRSDF. Results 13 out of 28 students responded to the online survey (46.4%) Themes that emerged from the comments were: • Yes, the Library contributes to academic success (92.3%); • Quiet study space is important; Although the majority of students (92%) felt that they received sufficient APA instruction, comments included: • Start APA teaching earlier; • Increase frequency of APA teaching; • Ensure consistent grading of APA Discussion The value of the Library is unquestioned. BLES students recognize the importance of Library e-Resources, study space and library staff expertise. However, there is room to increase students' exposure to Library services and resources. Attending a library research session should be seen as just the starting place for students' use of the Library. Following a research session, students should be expected to use the Library (in-person and online) on a frequent and regular basis. The earlier that students are exposed to Library resources, and, the earlier that students are taught (and re-taught) APA Style, the better. In the 2018 survey, fewer students were familiar with the SRSDF (30.4% compared with 71.4% in 2017). Reasons for this may be that the 2018 survey had fewer questions about the SRSDF (3 in 2018 compared to 13 in 2017) and, also, students may not have used the SRSDF until after having responded to the survey. Although this was a small study, many practical ideas and applications can be learned. Some of these are: • Increase collaboration between instructors and librarians so students get the APA help they need. • Develop new ways of presenting APA (brainstorm with library staff, instructors and students). • Encourage consistent grading of APA. • Increase instructor knowledge of Library resources. • Increase instructor comfort in referring students to the Library. • Increase collaboration between instructors and librarians to get students INTO the physical Library space and USING the Library e-Resources. • Recognize the importance of quiet study space for students. • Introduce the SRSDF early in the students' JIBC career, and, link it to assignments throughout the LESD & BLES programs. Simple measures are effective. For example, in response to the 2017 survey comments regarding lack of study space, the Library booked unused breakout rooms for evening time slots; and, added extra tables just outside the Library. Both these simple measures have increased study space for students. In conclusion, the Library is integral to student academic success. To enhance the Library's role in student success, the Library will continue to participate in JIBC-wide measures to support students through their time at the Institute. Examples include increasing access to research help through different modalities (F2F and online), ongoing and enhanced APA help, embedding more library research sessions in F2F and online courses, ensuring ALL instructors (contract and permanent) attend a Library & Copyright orientation. Publications/Presentations/Reports Daddey, F., & Jardine, M. (2017). Research skills and the real world. [Poster]. Retrieved from Justice Institute of British Columbia website: https://jibc.arcabc.ca www.jibc.ca/research