Purpose & Goals

This research project aims to examine the association between undergraduate students' perceptions of sense of belonging at a public research university and their library experience.

Design & Methodology

The existing body of literature has concentrated on understanding students' library resource use and the lens of environmental factors. While these studies have provided valuable insights into the predictors of library engagement, there exists a noticeable gap in our understanding of how students' sense of belonging intertwines with their overall library experience. A student survey was locally developed and validated to address the questions “How do library visits, online library website use, space satisfaction, building experience, perceived library resources and services together influence the students’ perceptions of feeling belonging, and which one is the most effective predictor of feeling belonging?” After obtaining IRB approval, students demographics were obtained from the Office of Institutional Research to disseminate the survey to the entire student population. A total of 2,822 undergraduate and graduate students participated in the survey in Spring 2023 (response rate: 11%). As the focus is on undergraduate students, only responses from undergraduate students (n = 1,426, 10% of undergraduate student population) were included for the data analysis.

Findings

Through the analysis of multiple regression, the relationship between students' sense of belonging and several predictor variables was explored. Notably, the frequency of library building visits, satisfaction with library space, and experiences within the library building were identified as significant factors in predicting students' sense of belonging. On the other hand, the use of the online library website and perceptions of library resources and services did not demonstrate a significant predictive relationship with students' sense of belonging. These results underscore the significance of physical library interactions, such as visits, space satisfaction, and building experiences, in influencing students' sense of belonging, while online activities and perceptions of resources and services played a less influential role in this context.

Action & Impact

The findings were shared with the members of the Undergraduate Student Government as a way to elicit their valuable feedback and report the findings of their input. Students appreciated hearing the findings and offered potential interpretations. This approach enabled us to acknowledge their valuable input, assuring them that their voices were heard.

Practical Implications & Value

This study provides valuable insights for universities to tailor interventions and support services, emphasizing the importance of a sense of belonging, frequent engagement with resources, and the multifaceted impact of libraries on students' academic success and overall educational experiences. Universities should prioritize strategies and interventions that enhance students' connection to the university community, potentially leading to increased engagement with library resources.

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