ProQuest Study Reveals Chinese Scholars Seek Western Audience for Research
Faculty and graduate students are some of the largest users of library services throughout the world. However, the similarities and differences of researcher behavior based on geographical location have not been fully understood. Building upon a study from 2008 that showcased graduate researcher behavior in the USA and Europe, ProQuest has just completed a study of graduate students and researchers in China that explores rapid developments in opportunities for Chinese graduate students to extend academic activity and influence beyond China, particularly to the West. Findings from the just-completed study in China and current research underway in Taiwan will be shared at the Charleston Conference, November 6th.
“As a trusted information partner in graduate research, we have long been committed to fostering a successful academic experience for students around the globe” said Boe Horton, Senior Vice President of Research Solutions for ProQuest. “This study is a natural extension of that commitment. By understanding graduate student research behavior based on the location of the student, ProQuest and the library community can provide improved and enhanced services to the populations that they serve.”
The results of the study showcase the extent which researchers’ behaviors differ between Europe, USA and Asia, and the similarities and differences of graduate researchers’ use of library information and resources. The study also compares and contrasts researchers’ major fields of study, preferred means of communication between peers and with faculty, social networking sites used, degree of interests in reviewing research with scholars in other geographic locations, degree of interest in publishing research in other geographic locations, and conference involvement.
Overall, Chinese faculty and doctoral students demonstrated in their responses to this research that they feel confident of entering a new era of academic communication with western scholars and publications, with whom they wish to share academic research findings , while acknowledging the challenges of doing so. The study also highlighted opportunities for librarians to help researchers overcome obstacles and develop even greater skills as peers on the global academic stage.
Mr. Horton will be presenting the complete findings at the Charleston Conference on November 6th from 2:00-2:40 in the Calhoun ballroom at the Francis Marion hotel.
About ProQuest
ProQuest creates specialized information resources and technologies that propel successful research, discovery, and lifelong learning. A global leader in serving libraries of all types, ProQuest offers the expertise of such respected brands as Chadwyck-Healey™, UMI®, SIRS®, and eLibrary®. With Serials Solutions®, Ulrich's™, RefWorks®, COS™, Dialog® and now Bowker® part of the ProQuest brand family, the company supports the breadth of the information community with innovative discovery solutions that power the business of books and the best in research experience.
More than a content provider or aggregator, ProQuest is an information partner, creating indispensable research solutions that connect people and information. Through innovative, user-centered discovery technology, ProQuest offers billions of pages of global content that includes historical newspapers, dissertations, and uniquely relevant resources for researchers of any age and sophistication—including content not likely to be digitized by others. Inspired by its customers and their end users, ProQuest is working toward a future that blends information accessibility with community to further enhance learning and encourage lifelong enrichment.
For more information, visit www.proquest.com or the ProQuest parent company website, www.cig.com.