Student reading lists: evaluating the student experience at the University of Huddersfield
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-12-2015-0252 |
| Published date | 03 April 2017 |
| Date | 03 April 2017 |
| Pages | 322-332 |
| Author | Kate McGuinn,Graham Stone,Alison Sharman,Emily Davison |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet |
Student reading lists: evaluating
the student experience at
the University of Hudderseld
Kate McGuinn, Graham Stone, Alison Sharman and Emily Davison
Department of Computing and Library Services, University of Hudderseld,
Hudderseld, UK
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the bespoke resource list management system
(MyReading) at the University of Hudderseld.
Design/methodology/approach –An online survey was designed to assess student use of MyReading
and their views on potential improvements. The survey used closed questions designed to obtain quantitative
data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data obtained from open questions.
Findings –Thepaper supports ndings of another recent study which found that reading lists are perceived
as more important by students than by lecturers. A variety of positive and negative themes emerged which
pointed to this conclusion. Positive themes were: the perceived helpfulness of reading lists, students’ view of
MyReading as a starting point for independent further reading, ease of use of MyReading and the time saving
afforded to students and the value students place on their reading lists as being “quality assured” by lecturers.
Negative themes were: inconsistency in the length and structure of lists; concerns that some lists are not
regularly updated; lack of awareness of functionality, revealing training needs for students and lecturers; and
suggestions for future enhancements to MyReading. Another nding from the quantitative data is the clear
link between low use of reading lists by students in certain schools and low use of other library resources.
Practical implications –The research provides guidance to universities regarding future development
of resource list management systems and promotional and training needs.
Originality/value –The study adds rich information to the existing body of qualitative research on
students’ perceptions of their reading lists.
Keywords Library services, Library systems, Student engagement, Reading lists, Resource lists,
Student attitudes
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Founded in 1825 in West Yorkshire, UK, as the Hudderseld Scientic and Mechanic
Institute, the modern-day University of Hudderseld was formed in 1992 and is now home to
over 22,000 students. The university has grown steadily over the years, both in terms of
student numbers and in terms of status. Recent years have brought several accolades,
including the Times Higher Education University of the Year award in November 2013.
In the UK, reading lists or resource lists are provided to students to guide them to
appropriate reading material. These lists contain traditional references, such as books,
chapters, journals and articles. However, online resource list management systems (RLMSs)
also contain new formats, such as websites, blogs and videos (Brewerton, 2014a). In 2011, the
University of Hudderseld Library designed and launched MyReading, its online RLMS. By
early 2015, from the usage information available, the system appeared to have been well
adopted by students. However, very little qualitative data existed, apart from data gathered
from student focus groups conducted in 2013 and 2014. These data were limited, in that the
focus group participants were drawn from a small pool of library student helpers.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
EL
35,2
322
Received 24 December 2015
Revised 26 April 2016
Accepted 15 June 2016
TheElectronic Library
Vol.35 No. 2, 2017
pp.322-332
©Emerald Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/EL-12-2015-0252
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