Library Orientation for Asian College Students

Abstract

In an effort to determine what kind of library orientation is most needed by asian students in american academic libraries, the author interviewed sixty asian students from twenty different countries at the east-west center, university of hawaii, plus eleven faculty and staff members. These students cited fifteen special difficulties they had experienced in using the university library, and they made twelve suggestions for improving library orientation. General problems of asian students are discussed, and programs for library instruction, on both graduate and undergraduate levels, are described. The author concludes with specific recommendations which include a required course in the use of the library; encouragement by the librarian; and the availability of individual assistance.