6.1
Learning Resources

The table below shows results from the 2006 and 2007 NSS in relation to access to Library, I.T and specialist resources.

6.1.1
Results from the 2006 and 2007 NSS

In comparison with the sector average Kent scored either on par with, or lower than the average with regard to Library resources in 2006. In 2007 scores improved in a number of areas but there is still concern amongst students regarding learning resources. In response to the 2006 survey the University made an extra £30,000 of special funding available for core texts. Despite this positive measure students still have huge concerns over the access to core texts*.

6.1.2
This sentiment is echoed by student representatives; in the first term they requested the opportunity to meet with staff from Information Services to discuss learning resources on the Canterbury campus. The Head of Information Services agreed to attend Kent Union’s Education Forum and a number of issues were raised which where then responded to. Extracts from the meeting and response are detailed below:**

The Social Sciences Faculty Rep expressed concerns about WebCT and anti-plagiarism software. The follow up action was;

WebCT hardware upgraded so that it can handle 1000 concurrent users. Before this upgrade the maximum number of concurrent users was 500 with peaks during last term of 850 which caused performance problems. Information Services and the Unit for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (UELT) have conducted a review of the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE), currently Blackboard/WebCT, and are now planning a migration to Moodle (http://moodle.org/) over the next 18 months to two years.

Reading lists are out of date and many items are no longer available. The response was;

The new arrangement of reading lists in annual folders in our online system which will be implemented shortly, in time for the start of next academic session, will help both students and library staff to be aware of those modules for which the reading lists are out of date, and Library staff will also be contacting module convenors if reading lists have not been input to the system.

Could Information Services send out their termly newsletter to students via e-mail. The response;

Yes. This will be done each term from now on with a URL pointing to the pdf version of the newsletter on the IS website.***

All of these examples highlight that the Information Services Department are listening to feedback from students and trying to improve facilities and resources. The Education Officer and a number of other representatives have been widely consulted with plans to improve learning resources, including plans for developing the main Library on the Canterbury campus and refurbishing I.T provisions in the colleges (on the Canterbury campus).

6.1.3
Those who attended the focus group dedicated to discussing issues surrounding learning had a lot to say with regard to the Templeman Library. A view echoed throughout the group was “the ambience of the Library is generally considered to be poor”. Indeed, in the open comments section in the 2006 Information Survey, 60 students commented on heating, lighting, seating and workspace limitations.

On this issue, Tom Christian the Education Officer comments;

“The way in which libraries are used has changed significantly over the last few years. Students today don’t just want to sit in upright wooden chairs reading dusty books. They expect centres of learning where they can access every possible resource and absorb the information in their own personal way. For many this means brightly lit, well ventilated, modern environments with flexible spaces that can cater for group work, IT facilities, and leisurely study as well as the more traditional learning styles. The Templeman is currently not able to meet these expectations but the Information Services Department are working towards this.”

6.1.4
Despite such negativity regarding the ambience of the Templeman Library, students in the focus group commented on several positive new initiatives of the Information Services Department including the screens which indicate where vacant PCs can be found on campus. Students have found that the screens have eased waiting time for PCs across the Canterbury campus. The University has also listened to students’ feedback on the opening hours of the Library. A pilot of 24/7 opening was run during the summer 2006 exam period and a review of opening hours in general was conducted. The Library now operates until midnight during term- time which is extended until 3am during peak times (assignment deadlines and assessments). The Information Services Student Satisfaction Survey report 2007 cites the Kent Union Café (BB’s) in the Templeman Library as an overwhelmingly popular service. 32 responses were recorded which directly praised the Library and the report suggests that the opening of the café helps to explain the reduction in complaints in 2007 from 2006.

6.1.5
The Humanities Faculty scored the lowest out of the three faculties in relation to library resources. In response, the Humanities Faculty wrote to all module convenors about the need to train students in the use of online, especially journal, resources, as there was evidence that one source of the low library score for humanities related to low knowledge amongst students of the range or resources available online****. A first year Humanities student agrees that this action is required:

“I think the module convenors really need to teach students how to use the online resources. It hasn't been done well in my department and even if they've told students about it they have only mentioned it without explaining how to access things like the online journals. Students on my course have only just found out that JSTOR even exists for example, and this could have helped students with previous essays. I think if students had a better knowledge of how to use the online resources then the library score would go up. So much information is available online through the library website and students just need to be taught how to access that.”

There is no evidence to suggest whether or not improvements have been made in the Faculty. Although a representative from the English department commented:

“There is a link to help on the English resources page on the library website, but I don't think many students are aware of it. The English department don't really do anything apart from what the library already provides… Seminar leaders occasionally suggest you look at something e.g. MLA bibliography but depends what seminar leader you get…There should perhaps be a consistent plicy among seminar leaders to emphasise online resources. “

 

*What you've said and what we're doing - Student Planning and Data Office
** Education Forum Minutes 27th November
***Information services responses to questions raised by Kent Union Education Forum members on 27th November 2007

****Faculty of Humanities Summary of Responses to National Student Survey 2007