Building Positive Learning Experiences through Pedagogical Research Guide Design. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Yoo Young; Lowe, M. Sara
• Is Part Of: Journal of web librarianship. Volume 12:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 205
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Design -- LibGuides -- pedagogical -- Research guides -- student engagement -- student learning -- usability testing; Libraries and the Internet -- Periodicals; Library science -- Periodicals; World Wide Web -- Periodicals; Internet -- Periodicals; Wikis (Computer science) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals -- Management -- Periodicals; 020.285468
• DOI: 10.1080/19322909.2018.1499453
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-2909

Abstract

Abstract: Library research guides are traditionally designed in a pathfinder-style format by resource type. However, would a pedagogical-style guide, which moves students through the research process, better support the student learning experience? This study sought to answer the question: Which guide design best supports the student information literacy learning experience outside of a classroom setting? This article reports results of a usability study ( n = 22) of first-year to graduate students who interacted with either a pedagogical or pathfinder-style research guide through a simulated research assignment. Results indicate that, although there is no statistically significant performance difference between guide type, students using the pedagogical guide reported a more positive experience than those using the pathfinder guide. As a result, this led them to spend more time on, interact more with, and consult more resources on the research guide. Librarians who wish to enhance the usability of research guides may get greater student engagement by designing their guides pedagogically.