TY - JOUR AU - Toner, Lisa Jane PY - 2008/06/17 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Non-use of Library Services by Students in a UK Academic Library JF - Evidence Based Library and Information Practice JA - EBLIP VL - 3 IS - 2 SE - Research Articles DO - 10.18438/B8HS57 UR - https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/1330 SP - 18-31 AB - Objective – This study examined low or non-use of the library at St. Martin’s College, UK and determined the possible reasons for this. Additionally, this study investigated the other sources of information non-users were accessing. The results were then fed into the library’s future strategic planning cycle.<br><br>Methods – Using data from the TALIS management system, a postal survey was distributed to students who registered as low or non-users. Non-users were considered a hard-to-reach target group, and a further classroom-based survey was administered. <br><br>Results – The findings showed that students in part-time and distance learning courses were the largest group of non-users. Other factors influencing non-use included the purchase of books, use of the Internet, and a lack of awareness of services available.<br><br>Conclusions – The library service needs to target non-traditional student groups, particularly those taught off-campus, with innovative induction techniques. This survey highlighted the need to embed information skills teaching into the curriculum and a recent restructure of the department has enabled this to happen with a more focused approach to academic liaisonship. ER -