International Student Information Competence A San José State University Survey Pamela Jackson San José State University

Abstract This poster presentation explores collaborative efforts between San José State University’s Library and the Office of International Programs and Services to survey the library needs of SJSU’s international student population. A demographic look at SJSU’s international students, gathered from the institutional statistics, is presented here and synthesized in preparation for the Fall 2003 survey. Survey results will lead to the implementation of library programs that support the information competence, retention and academic success of international students.

Research Suggests… Students from other countries are accustomed to varying degrees of access to information. International students come to American universities with limited training in traditional print sources, computer and database use, and are often unaware of how an American library functions. Librarians and students encounter difficulty with language barriers and nonverbal communication problems.

Do the same findings still hold true in today’s global information society? Are international students computer literate? Are libraries closed to free public access in students home countries? Is library terminology foreign to international students? Is language the major barrier to effective library service?

More Library Research is Necessary to Determine Needs of International Students as They Perceive Them. International programs offices and librarians, not international students, are often surveyed. Last published library needs survey of international students: 1993

Computer Skill Level Fall 2003 International Student Survey Aims to Reveal Understanding of American University Library System Barriers to Successful Library Research How the Library Can Contribute to Academic Success

A Look at San José State University’s International Students

San José State University Enrollment Statistics International Students Apx. 5%

International student enrollment up 28.9% from %

Distribution of International Students by Residence Area In thousands 77%

Distribution of International Students by Residence Area (Non-Asian Countries) Number of Students

Distribution of International Students: Asian Countries 5% 8% 9% 10% 13% 18% 23% 14%

Countries of International Graduate Student Origin

Percent of Degrees Conferred to International Students

Degrees conferred to International Students up 47.6% from %

What We Know So Far Basic library orientation in multiple languages can enhance international student learning. Information competence initiatives are needed at the graduate level where a large percentage of international students are enrolled. Many international students come from English-speaking countries or are proficient in spoken and written English as a second language. Thus, language proficiency may not be the main barrier to academic success for all international students.

Fall 2003 International Student Library Needs Survey results will be presented in Ontario, California at the California Library Association’s Annual Convention (November 16, 2003) International student statistics presented in this survey were gathered from the San José State University Statistical Abstract online: