Journal article
'Working Together': Public Libraries Supporting Rural, Regional, and Remote Low-Socioeconomic Student Success in Partnership with Universities
Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, Vol.68(2), pp.105-125
29/05/2019
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Source: InCites
Abstract
University students living in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas of Australia face unique challenges including geographical isolation, lack of access to face-to-face support, and technological barriers. Additionally, RRR students from low-socioeconomic (low-SES) backgrounds experience multiple forms of disadvantage compared to their on-campus peers, and require additional study, learning, and social support. Partnerships between universities and local public libraries can enhance RRR low-SES student success through increased access to face-to-face support, reliable technologies, and study facilities. This exploratory research, led by five regional universities, presents the first national-level empirical data exploring how Australian public libraries and universities can work together to facilitate success for RRR low-SES students. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with public librarians from RRR low-SES communities across Australia. Thematic analysis findings explore themes of librarians' perceptions of students as persons; the role of regional librarians in supporting RRR low-SES students; RRR low-SES students' access to learning support; and the critical elements of sustainable partnerships between RRR public libraries and universities. Key recommendations are provided to guide future partnerships between public libraries and universities, including building the foundations of partnerships; professional development to support partnerships; and recommendations for good partnership practices.
Details
- Title
- 'Working Together': Public Libraries Supporting Rural, Regional, and Remote Low-Socioeconomic Student Success in Partnership with Universities
- Creators
- Emma Power - Academic Division, University of Southern QueenslandHelen Partridge - Academic Division, University of Southern QueenslandSue Owen - Library Services, Academic Portfolio, Federation University AustraliaKathryn Kelly - Operations Portfolio, University Library, Southern Cross UniversitySandra Jeffries - Information Services, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication Details
- Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, Vol.68(2), pp.105-125
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Grant note
- HEP1600075 / Australian Government's Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP)
- Identifiers
- 991012927061802368
- Academic Unit
- Library Services; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article