A Qualitative Analysis of Library Chat Reference Transcripts: Examining Engineering Student Queries within the Information Seeking Process
- Conference
- Location
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Portland, Oregon
- Publication Date
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June 23, 2024
- Start Date
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June 23, 2024
- End Date
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July 12, 2024
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Engineering Libraries Division (ELD)
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/46478
Paper Authors
Eric Prosser
Arizona State University
orcid.org/0000-0002-9214-6298
Eric Prosser is the head of the STEM Division and the Engineering & Entrepreneurship Librarian for the Arizona State University Library. Eric is a liaison to the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and provides research services for faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students along with instruction in critical analysis and information literacy, including the legal and ethical use of information. Prior to finding his home in academic librarianship, he worked as a reliability engineer in the nuclear power industry and later as an attorney. Eric has a BS in Physics from Harvey Mudd College, an MA in Information Resources and Library Science from the University of Arizona, an MS in Management of Technology from Arizona State University, a JD from the University of San Diego, and he is currently enrolled in ASU's PhD program for Engineering Education Systems and Design. Outside of the library, he enjoys travel, skiing, and trivia contests.
Abstract
Academic libraries play a pivotal role in supporting engineering students' information needs. Understanding the intricacies of information-seeking behaviors among engineering students is crucial to enhance the effectiveness of engineering librarianship and, more broadly, engineering education. This research paper presents a qualitative analysis of library chat reference transcripts from engineering students, with a primary focus on evaluating the alignment of their questions with an established information-seeking model. The study applies Kuhlthau's Information Search Process, a well-established framework of information seeking. Using process coding, a one-year dataset of chat reference interactions from a large research university is examined to uncover patterns and trends in the types of questions posed by engineering students and evaluate how the Information Search Process model aligns with the actual behaviors of engineering students. This research illustrates how data—in this case chat reference transcripts—collected on a regular basis by academic libraries can be utilized to provide empirical evidence of how engineering students navigate the complex landscape of information seeking. The study's outcomes are of particular relevance to librarians, educators, and researchers in the field of engineering education, as they strive to enhance the information literacy skills of students and ensure that library reference services are well-aligned with their information-seeking behaviors. This research serves as a foundation for future investigations and improvements in library services, ultimately supporting the academic success and information literacy development of engineering students.
Prosser, E. (2024, June), A Qualitative Analysis of Library Chat Reference Transcripts: Examining Engineering Student Queries within the Information Seeking Process Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/46478
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