Services for Graduate Students

Library Assessment for Educational Leadership Doctoral Students

We would like to thank the students who were able to participate in our satisfaction survey and offer thoughtful comments, questions, and concerns. The results reinforced our perception of graduate students' unique needs. The comments and suggestions also indicate that we should focus on publicizing existing services and the innovative features we continue to develop.

A total of nine doctoral students responded to the survey. The questions and rating results can be viewed via SurveyMonkey. A number of key responses, along with some answers, reminders, and tips, are listed below.

 

Proximity to the College

The majority of survey respondents live farther than 15 miles away from the college, with one over 300 miles away. This will certainly push us to continue examining new ways to deliver resources to doctoral students.

 

Using the Library web site

Nearly all of the respondents noted that they visit the Library web site more than ten times per term. Everyone was either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the ease of navigation within our site.

We did receive one comment letting us know that users were being directed away from the Library site after using some databases. After a little adjustment, the databases now open in a new browser tab, allowing you to close the tab when finished and be right back in the Watzek site. Thanks for pointing out this issue!

One other person noted that it did take "a little trial-and-error" to get familiar with the site. We are happy to hear that this person was able to find a path that worked. Do remember that Library staff are always eager to help you navigate through the many online resources available. We also have a growing collection of locally-produced tutorials that can guide you through some of the advanced features on our site.

 

Research databases

While the ratings indicated that nearly everyone was satisfied with database access, at least one person would love to see even more full-text articles. We think the following features help address this issue:

• With our new article delivery service for graduate students and faculty, Library staff will now scan selections from print volumes in the library. If you determine that Watzek does hold the volume with the piece you need, a request can be made using the Interlibrary Loan form and you will be able to access a PDF copy of the reading without even visiting campus.


• Our librarians continually evaluate new databases and periodically add to our collection of online resources. Keep an eye on the Library home page for news briefs that highlight the details when we gain access to a new database.


• If you would like to recommend specific resources, please email our Reference Desk to deliver the suggestion


• While off-campus access to some databases may be limited to Law School faculty and students, most of the resources can be used on site at the Boley Law Library. Please contact the Boley Reference Desk at (503) 768-6688 or lawlib@lclark.edu


• A couple of students mentioned that they would really like to retain access to databases after completing their doctorate. Alumni are always welcome to visit the library and use online resources on site. Unfortunately, our licensing agreements with database providers only permit us to grant access to current students, staff, and faculty.

 

Access to dissertations

Several students expressed frustration regarding interlibrary loan requests for dissertations. In the situations mentioned, the requests were likely denied by the lending libraries after they were sent out by Watzek staff. To track the progress of ILL requests, users can now log on to see their activity. Also, Watzek staff will now monitor requests from doctoral students and, when one is denied, attempt to purchase a copy for the Library. Of course, when a purchase must be made, delivery time may be delayed.

 

Availability of books (Locally, Summit, Interlibrary Loan)

We are happy to see that everyone is able to get books easily. A number of students pointed to the following services as helpful tools when they needed to borrow materials.

• Graduate students can request delivery of Watzek, Summit, and ILL materials to Room 202 (Admissions) in Rogers Hall at the Graduate School. For Watzek items, find the desired item in our catalog, select 'Request' at the top of the page and choose Rogers 202 as the pick-up location. Items are delivered each weekday before noon.


• Materials can be returned to the Watzek drop box located in the South Campus Conference Center, near the Food for Thought cafe. The box is cleared once each weekday.


• For those who are not able to make it to campus regularly, the use of other Summit libraries can be extremely helpful. In addition to on-site borrowing privileges at each of the 30+ institutions in Oregon and Washington, students can have Summit requests delivered directly to any of the schools for pick-up. Summit and Watzek items can also be returned to any of the Summit libraries. Find a location close to home.


• Because our Interlibrary Loan service requests items from hundreds of libraries throughout the world, delivery of physical materials may take 7-10 days to arrive. Requests for articles and specific book chapters may be delivered much faster—as quickly as one day—if a lender is able to deliver the piece electronically.

 

Reference assistance

From the survey responses, it appears that doctoral students have found very useful help from our reference librarians. Assistance is readily available by phone, email, and at our Reference Desk. With sporadic trips to campus, graduate students may find it useful to schedule a research consultation with a librarian at a time that suits their needs.

 

Our survey may be closed, but we always welcome questions and suggestions about what we do here at Watzek. Feedback from you helps us shape our goals and offer services & resources that fit your needs. Please contact the areas below with any thoughts and comments.

Circulation	503-768-7273		circ@lclark.edu
Reference	503-768-7285		refdesk@lclark.edu
Administrative Office	503-768-7275 or 503-768-7344		watzek@lclark.edu
Interlibrary Loan	503-768-7280		ill@lclark.edu