Library Usage and Student Success: Library Space Changes Increased Student Usage, Which Increased Student Success (Poster 20)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Nine
  In Poster Session: Learning Environments for Formal and Informal Education

Abstract

Libraries represent a key space in classrooms where students collaborate and learn in schools outside scheduled classrooms themselves. Despite their importance in supporting student learning, little empirical research has been done to understand the connection between library usage and student academic success. We collected student library usage data available through a school’s innovative approach to scheduling (Flexmod) to build a Rasch model of student library engagement. Using the output of this model, we conducted a multiple linear regression showing student library engagement significantly predicts fewer course failures, and that library engagement coefficient remains significant even after controlling for past student performance. These results show how efforts to boost library usage can meaningfully contribute to faculty goals related to classroom success.

Authors

• Michael C. Ralph, Multistudio
  Presenting Author

• Marisa Hegeman
  Non-Presenting Author