Credit score: Assessing a library course's association with graduation rates and GPAs for at-risk students at a regional public university. Issue 3 (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Espe, Troy W.; Dettman, David M.; Noltze, Marv; Harnett, Daniel
• Is Part Of: College & undergraduate libraries. Volume 28:Issue 3/4(2021)
• Page Start: 243
• Page End: 252
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: Library credit course -- information literacy -- library instruction -- assessment -- retention -- at-risk students; Academic libraries -- United States -- Periodicals; Undergraduate libraries -- United States -- Periodicals; 027.7097305
• DOI: 10.1080/10691316.2021.1939217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1069-1316

Abstract

Abstract: This study determined if a library credit course potentially influenced grades and graduation rates at a regional public university. The authors analyzed data from 33, 882 undergraduates who attended University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point between 2004 and 2018. To compare grade point averages (GPAs) and graduation rates, the authors separated data into two cohorts: students who passed Library Resources 101 and students who did not take the course. The study found virtually no difference in GPAs. However, students who completed the course graduated 18.5% more frequently than non-completers. The most extensive of its kind, this study adds depth to previous publications assessing library credit courses' statistical relationships with student success, especially at-risk undergraduates.