The Role of the Academic Library in Facilitating Research: Perceptions of Postgraduate Students

Abstract

Research is taking on increasing importance in universities and colleges. It is thus appropriate for academic libraries in these institutions to re-examine how they can play a more relevant role in facilitating research. The aim of this study was to examine the views of one group of stakeholders, the postgraduate students, on the role of the university library in helping them with their research. A paper-based questionnaire was used to gather information from 36 postgraduate students. The findings suggest that students are generally satisfied with the resources and services provided by the library, but needed more help in certain areas of research, and that the library could be more proactive in providing assistance. Interestingly, students indicated they would be willing to pay a higher library fee if the library could help them more with their research. This opens up exciting possibilities for increased services.