Academic Libraries and Athletic Training: Research Preferences of Athletic Training Students

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Sports Medicine Education

Background:

• Academic standards in athletic training require understanding student information needs.
• Effective information literacy instruction is crucial for athletic training students' success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the research habits and information literacy preferences of undergraduate athletic training students.
• To inform librarians and faculty on optimizing support for athletic training programs.

Main Methods:

• Survey administered to undergraduate athletic training students at two universities.
• Data collected on student research behaviors and preferred methods of information literacy instruction.

Main Results:

• Students prefer information literacy instruction at the beginning of the academic semester.
• Peer and online search (Google) are the primary initial resources for research assistance.
• Students typically spend up to 60 minutes researching independently before seeking formal assistance.
• In-person library assistance is preferred over email communication.

Conclusions:

• Librarians and faculty should align information literacy instruction with student preferences for early-semester delivery.
• Developing targeted support strategies that acknowledge students' initial reliance on peers and online searches is recommended.
• Library outreach should emphasize accessible, in-person assistance to meet student needs effectively.