Resources used by high school students in preparing independent study projects: a bibliometric approach

Jacqueline Cooper Mancall

doi:10.17918/etd-66

This study provides a description of the use of libraries and library resources by academic high school students preparing papers for independent study projects. For purposes of this analysis independent study projects were defined as those in which students prepared papers, projects or reports on individual topics, using sources other than class texts and, further, that there was a written record by students of sources used. References in such written reports reflect not just the assignment, but also the habits, taste and bibliographic skills of the students. A sample of six academic, college preparatory high schools in a large metropolitan area was purposefully selected. An objective description of library use was derived from four sources of data: 1) bibliographies of student papers; 2) a questionnaire survey of the students preparing such papers; 3) a questionnaire survey of the teachers involved; and 4) interviews with librarians in each school. The study emphasizes primarily an analysis of the references in the student bibliographies and student questionnaires. Teacher questionnaire and librarian interview data provide greater meaning to the citation and library use data. The sample consisted of 270 student papers and 234 student questionnaires. Within the papers there were 3,165 references, of which 2,114 were to monographs, 624 to journals, with the remainder to a wide variety of other materials. The typical student paper contained eight to twelve references, with 45 percent of the papers containing no references to journals. There was little correlation between the number of monograph and the number of journal articles referenced. Analysis of the questionnaires showed that a median student used three to four libraries, with a preponderance of the sample using at least two libraries and 15 percent using five or more libraries. Library use included heavy use of school libraries, neighborhood public libraries and regional public libraries. One-half of the students used home libraries with college or university libraries also strongly represented. One-half of the students reported obtaining assistance in libraries. Among the important findings are: 1) students successfully seek information in more than one type of library; 2) students see libraries as places to receive assistance; 3) the striking use of the home library raises serious consideration for school-home library education projects; 4) students depend heavily on monographs rather than journals or other types of materials, 5) both monograph and journal references are surprisingly old; 6) observed patterns of journal usage conform to Bradfords Law and, in addition, they point to the importance of holding certain journal titles over an extended period of time; 7) the Readers Guide to Periodical Literature is the index satisfying most journal use at this time; 8) materials other than monographs and journals are seldom used. Although a variety of statistical techniques (generally called multivariate analysis) was used for the examination of a large number of variables, the most basic analyses of the data showed clear, rational patterns that did not require such sophisticated statistical analyses for understanding. It is pointed out that by asking straightforward questions of students and looking at what is actually used, the practicing librarian can draw sensible conclusions for collection building and design of user services.

Resources used by high school students in preparing independent study projects: a bibliometric approach

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Metrics

Details

Resources used by high school students in preparing independent study projects: a bibliometric approach

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Metrics

Details

Drexel University Social media