Difficulties and characteristics of students from developing countries in using American libraries

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the difficulties of students from developing countries in using American libraries. Fifty-four, mostly Asian, students studying at the University of California, Berkeley, were interviewed. The results reveal that these students encountered numerous problems in using their school's libraries. The problems included insufficient English proficiency, making it difficult to understand library terminology and policy; unfamiliarily with American libraries' classification system, subject headings, reference works, and open stacks; and confusion when online catalogs and databases retrieve too many results. Students in natural sciences usually had fewer difficulties than those in humanities and social sciences. Others who encountered fewer difficulties were those who were more proficient in English and whose home countries were more strongly influenced by American culture. This paper also discusses the possible causes of plagiarism. Recommendations are offered for improving library services for foreign students.