Searching as strategic exploration: How well do faculty know their students’ opinions regarding information sources?

Abstract

A research study at a rural, public university revealed gaps between faculty perception and student opinion on the importance and difficulty of use of information sources. This study shares the significant gaps discovered across four common stages related to the preparation of academic course assignments and the information-seeking process. The results of the study are intended to inform information literacy instructional practice and drive dialogue across a campus to support students where they are rather than where we hope them to be.