How well do you Know your Clients?: International Students’ Preferences for Learning about Library Services

Abstract

International onshore students are a significant and growing population within many Australian universities. Most research into international students’ experience of academic libraries has hitherto focussed on satisfaction ratings or the cultural and language issues experienced with academic libraries. In 2006 the La Trobe University Library conducted a survey to discover international students’ preferences regarding library services and methods of communication. It also looked at how the Library could enhance their learning experiences. The survey process is described, its findings discussed, and the resulting recommendations as to how academic libraries and librarians can best service this expanding client group are presented.