Saudi students, American academic library: revisited

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to use both quantitative and qualitative methods for assessing Saudi Arabian students’ experiences in using the library of a small American university and to compare the findings against those of a representative sample of American classmates.

Design/methodology/approach

The project used a paper survey in querying 164 Saudi Arabian and 273 American students studying at Robert Morris University in 2017.

Findings

The study found that Saudi subjects were much more likely to believe that their informational needs were misunderstood by librarians than American participants in the survey.

Research limitations/implications

Poor participation in the qualitative phase limited, to some degree, the interpretation that could be carried out of the study’s quantitative results.

Practical implications

The study’s findings strongly reveal the need for libraries and librarians to highly prioritize effective communication when providing service to international students.

Originality/value

This is only the second study to ever focus on the library experiences of Saudi Arabian students in American academic libraries, and it is the first to concentrate on the subjective aspect of understanding between librarians and international students. It is of value to library administrators, as well as librarians and library staff who interact with international students.

Citation

Ibraheem, A.I., Devine, C. and Scott, S. (2018), "Saudi students, American academic library: revisited", Reference Services Review, Vol. 46 No. 4, pp. 565-577. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-01-2018-0007