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Library Use Patterns Among Full- And Part-Time Faculty And Students, Jo Bell Whitlatch

Jo Bell Whitlatch

Trends in higher education are toward part-time students and majors in professional fields which are associated with low library use. Research findings at San Jose State University, California and other academic libraries, demonstrate that declining library use may be a future trend. Declining use will further erode administrative support for library budgets. Libraries must become effective in identifying and meeting the information needs of new nontraditional students. User surveys establishing service priorities can be an effective tool in planning library service for future student and faculty populations.