Who’s Using What Content – and Why?
ProQuest surveyed more than 1,300 faculty and students to learn not only what content types they use – but the reasons behind their choices
We wanted to learn how the use of varied content types drives impact in research, teaching and learning.
What did we learn?
Peer-reviewed journals are still essential for research and teaching, but the mix of content used by faculty and students has expanded to include primary sources, ebooks, video and much more.
But why are researchers and students choosing the content they do, and how can libraries keep up?
Because we’re inquisitive researchers just like our customers, we decided to ask. In March 2018, ProQuest surveyed faculty and students around the world to understand more about the academic community we serve and the content choices they make. Here are a few highlights:
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- Faculty say that a mix of content aids students’ understanding of a subject, contributes to better quality assignments and grades, and allows for a more thorough review of existing literature and research findings.
- Faculty encourage students to use primary sources – they believe these sources help students develop critical thinking and other key skills.
- Students are influenced by their professors’ recommendations when choosing content to use in their research and assignments.
- Faculty see a crucial role for libraries in developing undergraduates’ research, critical analysis and information literacy skills.