Bridge Building, Intersectionality and Inclusion

Poster Session

Sense of Belonging for International Students: A Case Study at Penn State University Libraries

Poster Presenter(s)

• AG

  Alia Gant

  Diversity Resident Librarian
  Penn State University
• DA

  Dawn Amsberry, MA, MLS

  Reference and Instruction Librarian
  Penn State University

Higher education institutions across the country are experiencing an increase in diverse populations for both undergraduate and graduate students. One segment of this diverse community includes international students. As the number of international students increases, universities and colleges have a responsibility to foster inclusion for this community. Libraries play a major role in creating a safe and welcoming space for international students. At Penn State University international students seem drawn to the library as a place where they feel welcome. Many international students described the library as a kind of home away from home.

In spring 2016, the University Libraries Assessment Department at Penn State University conducted an Ithaka S+R survey which focused on undergraduate students’ experiences in the library. A major finding in the survey showed no difference between undergraduate international and domestic students’ feelings of inclusion or sense of belonging while in the library.
Researchers within the library investigated this idea: What factors contribute to international undergraduate students’ sense of belonging in the Penn State libraries, and how can the libraries further enrich that sense of belonging? To explore this question the researchers interviewed library personnel on Penn State campuses who work principally with international students and conducted focus groups with international students on three campuses.

This poster session will describe the process for creating and implementing the study, and present the researchers’ key findings and recommendations. Handouts will include the questions used in the interviews and focus groups, as well as a bibliography.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the process for creating their own studies relating to international students' sense of belonging within the library.
• Upon completion, participants will be able to list new ideas for initiatives related to sense of belonging and inclusion for international students.
• Upon completion, participants will be able to identify best practices for creating an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging for international students at their institutions.