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GWLA-Study

Libraries Make a Difference according to Recent Study on Student Learning & Retention

A recent study of over 42,000 students from multiple universities has examined library impact on student learning and retention, among other factors. The results of the study show that libraries make a difference!

Oct 3, 2017

Did you know how much libraries & librarians can impact student success? A recent study (GWLA, 2017) examined library impact from 12 universities with over 42,000 students. The study compared GPA and retention, among other factors.

These major findings from the study are worth noting:

  • Student retention rates were higher for students in courses that included an information literacy instruction component from a librarian; results for 8 of the 12 universities were highly significant (p.3, 11)
  • First-year GPA was higher on average for students who were in courses that included an information literacy instruction component from a librarian than those who were not (p. 3, 18)
  • Students receiving librarian instruction successfully completed 1.8 more credit hours per year than those who did not (p. 4, 14)

You can read the full study here.

Interested in what our Library is doing? Take a look at ODU Library's Instruction Services.

Reference:

Greater Western Library Alliance. (2017). The Impact of Information Literacy Instruction on Student Success: A Multi-Institutional Investigation and Analysis. Kansas City, MO: GWLA.

Image used with permission from reference cited above.