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Dissertation Information for Betty J. Morris

NAME:
- Betty J. Morris

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Education

SCHOOL:
- University of Alabama (USA) (1984)

ADVISORS:
- None

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Not_Inspected

Title: STUDENT ASSISTANTS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: A STUDY OF TRAINING PRACTICES

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the methods and materials most frequently utilized to train student assistants for 15 identified tasks and to determine the effectiveness of the methods and materials as perceived by library administrators responsible for student assistant training.

The collection of data was accomplished through a questionnaire specifically designed for this study and administered to academic library directors throughout the United States. Responses were received from 114 of the 159 sample population determined randomly for the study. The data were analyzed and presented according to population sample, methods, materials, and data related to student assistants in the areas of training periods and personnel, budget, and audio-visual services.

Conclusions based on the findings included: (1) Appropriate student assistant tasks are emerging in the acquisitions, reference, and audio-visual departments. (2) The 15 tasks identified in this study are the tasks most frequently and routinely performed by student assistants. (3) Conducting literature searches, previously a professional task, is now beginning to be performed by student assistants. (4) Student assistant roles are slowly expanding. (5) Many more effective methods and materials are used in training student assistants than expected. (6) The individual method was used more frequently and the demonstration was more effective than orientation. (7) The computer has not been fully explored as a viable training method. (8) Tapes should be explored further as training materials.

Recommendations included: (a) evaluating the total library training program in academic libraries; (b) seeking the opinions of student assistants regarding tasks performed and their training; (c) developing a comprehensive planned training program; (d) studying the possibility of expanding student assistant tasks; (e) addressing problems of training and supervising student assistants in graduate library administration courses; (f) exploring the use of computers and simulation as training methods as well as tapes, slide presentations, and video as training materials; and (g) developing new approaches and more refined instruments to study significant relationships found in the study.

MPACT Scores for Betty J. Morris

A = 0
C = 1
A+C = 1
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2009-05-19 10:35:18

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