What factors influence vocational medical students' self-perceived utilization of library resources?

Numerous studies have emphasized the crucial role of library resources in improving educational outcomes. However, there is a significant gap in research on how vocational medical students, a key group in the healthcare workforce, utilize these resources. This gap in the research highlights the need to further investigate the unique challenges and factors influencing library resource utilization in vocational medical students.

One hundred and seventeen vocational medical students from a medical vocational college were assessed what influenced their library resource usage. An online survey was conducted to collect data on usage patterns, satisfaction with library resources, and satisfaction with self-reported retrieval abilities. The sample included 48 males and 69 females, with an average age of 19.1±0.7 years. Of the participants, 38.5% (45 students) reported effective library resource utilization. Lasso regression and logistic regression analyses identified two key predictors: satisfaction with library's space capacity (OR 4.26, 95% CI 1.438~12.622) and satisfaction with resource retrieval ability (OR 7.362, 95% CI 1.311~41.341). ROC analysis revealed a high predictive value, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.866 (95% CI 0.796~0.936).

This study identified satisfaction with library's space capacity and satisfaction with resource retrieval ability as key factors influencing library resource utilization by vocational medical students. To enhance library resource utilization, targeted strategies such as strengthening library infrastructure and improving students' information literacy should be considered.