| Given the lack of holistic research on the undergraduate library research process, this present study used qualitative methodologies to gather multiple data sets using both obtrusive and unobtrusive measures to describe research behavior in more detail and to show how students operate in the modern academic computing environment. Ninety-five (95) students were recruited to participate in this study from eight sections of composition courses taught by two cooperating instructors at the Kansas State University-Salina campus in the Spring 2002 semester. Triangulation of data sources revealed that students prefer to use web-based resources over all others. Themes that emerged across data sets grouped around four topics: Attitudes, Time and Effort, Technology, and Orientation. Comparison of the current findings with Westbrook's (1997) Research Behaviors was also conducted. Implications of these findings for academic research assignments and for library instruction are discussed. Reflection on the research process highlights areas for improvement and suggests areas for future research. |
