Serving Generation 1.5: Academic Library Use and Students from Non–English-Speaking Households

Abstract

This study examined ways in which the library is utilized by students of Generation 1.5. Generation 1.5 refers to those students who appear fully conversant in English but are in reality still learning the language. The study is based on a survey of 1,396 students at California State University, Bakersfield. Patterns of library use between Generation 1.5 students and their non–Generation 1.5 counterparts were found to differ. The results indicated that, to Generation 1.5 students, the library is a particularly important provider of a physical space, unstructured social learning, and technology.