Melting the IceInternational Students and UMD
Maryland Library Association (MLA) Annual ConferenceMay 4 - 6, 2011 - Clarion Resort, Ocean City, Maryland
Nedelina [email protected]
Reference & Instruction LibrarianEngineering and Physical Sciences Library (EPSL)
Welcome
to the University of Maryland
in College Park!
TOTAL: 37,641 students
26,922Undergrads
10,719Grads
Fall 2010 Student Enrollment
3, 600 international students (10% of the student population)
The First Days in the US
Language barriers
Cultural differences
Social isolation
The Library Jargon
•Library Orientations
•International Coffee Hour
•Employment and MentoringStudent s and the Libraries
Sessions’ Length
• 30 min• 60 min
Yearly Statistics
• 170 students• 10 sessions
Learning Outcomes
• ACRL Standard 1• ACRL Standard 2• ACRL Standard 5
Library Orientations
Source: http://www.lib.umd.edu/UES/instruction-internationalstudents.html
ACRL Standards and Student Learning Outcomes
Standard Standard Standard
Recognize that there are different types of research tools, such as the Libraries' catalog, periodical databases, and the Internet.
Identify the different ways to get help from library staff.
Develop an awareness for the importance of citing works to avoid plagiarizing.
1 2 5
International Coffee Hour
Employment and Mentoring
Conclusions and Recommendations
In the classroom• Gather background
information from students• Avoid idioms• Limit the use of library
jargon• Speak clearly and at a
normal rate• Plan extra time for Q&A
Outside the classroom• Greet students with a smile• Speak first• Be patient• Learn about student’s
country and culture
ReferencesAmsberry, D. (2008). Talking the Talk: Library Classroom Communication and International Students. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 34(4), 354-357.
Baron, S. & Strout-Dapaz, A. (2001). Communicating with and empowering international students with a library skills set. Reference Services Review, 29(4), 314 - 326.
Evans, K. (2006). INTERLINK at Indiana State University: adventures in library instruction for international students. Indiana Libraries, 25(4), 8-10.
Leedock, J. & Roth, C. (Presenters). (2011, July 13). Revamping pre-arrival communications for international students. [Webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.academicimpressions.com/PDF/0711-intl-orientation.pdf
Sackers, N., Secomb, B. & Hulett, H. (2008). How well do you know your clients?: International students' preferences for learning about library services. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 39(1), 38-55.
Shaffer, C., Vardaman, L. & Miller, D. (2010). Library usage trends and needs of international students. Behavioral & Social Sciences Librarian, 29 (2), 109-117. doi:10.1080/01639261003742231
University of Maryland Libraries. (2010). International Student Orientations. Retrieved from http://www.lib.umd.edu/UES/instruction-internationalstudents.html
