Preparing the underprepared: Current academic library practices in developmental education

This qualitative study examines academic libraries and developmental education. The study was based on semistructured telephone interviews with 31 librarians from 21 states. Interview questions focused on instruction services for developmental students, library collections for developmental students, collaboration with developmental education instructors and learning centers, and professional development related to developmental education. Analysis of the results shows that librarians apply sound pedagogy when infusing basic library skills into developmental education and academic success courses, design assignments with high probability of student success, reduce library anxiety and build student confidence, and develop and promote library collections beneficial to developmental students.

Duke Scholars

Author Ann Roselle School of Nursing