Exploring partnerships between public libraries and universities in regional low-socioeconomic communities: the student experience

Emma Power; Helen Partridge; Sue Owen; Blanca Pizzani

doi:10.1080/07294360.2021.2011153

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Exploring partnerships between public libraries and universities in regional low-socioeconomic communities: the student experience

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Exploring partnerships between public libraries and universities in regional low-socioeconomic communities: the student experience

Emma Power, Helen Partridge, Sue Owen and Blanca Pizzani

Higher Education Research and Development, Vol.41(7), pp.2324-2337

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2021.2011153

Abstract

student success

public libraries

universities

regional

rural and remote communities

Students from low-socioeconomic (low-SES) backgrounds living in rural, regional and remote (RRR) communities in Australia experience intersecting equity challenges and disadvantages impacting upon their study success. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews, this study explored the experience of 42 students living in low-SES RRR communities in Australia. More specifically, the study considers, from the student experience, how public libraries and universities can work in partnership to support study success. Thematic analysis revealed two key themes: 'student as person', encompassing RRR low-SES students' context, lived experience and study needs; and 'access', describing key enablers and barriers to students' access to key study needs and support from the public library in their local areas, and their university. This study shows that collaboration between universities and public libraries through understanding of the needs, context and experience of RRR low-SES students can initiate and inform targeted action to help support these students, increase inclusion and belonging, and facilitate student success.

Details

Title: Exploring partnerships between public libraries and universities in regional low-socioeconomic communities: the student experience
Authors: Emma Power (Author) - Deakin Univ, Educ Portfolio, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Helen Partridge (Corresponding Author) - University of Southern Queensland
Sue Owen (Author) - Federation University
Blanca Pizzani (Author) - University of New England
Publication details: Higher Education Research and Development, Vol.41(7), pp.2324-2337
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2022
DOI: 10.1080/07294360.2021.2011153
ISSN: 1469-8366
Organisation Unit: Library Services
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991003697302621
Output Type: Journal article