Date of Award
4-2025
Culminating Project Type
Dissertation
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Higher Education Administration: Ed.D.
Department
Educational Administration and Higher Education
College
School of Education
First Advisor
Emeka Ikegwuonu
Second Advisor
Jennifer Jones
Third Advisor
Rachel Friedensen
Fourth Advisor
Gretel Stock
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
Libraries; Student Engagement; Academic Success
Abstract
This study examines how undergraduates' knowledge and use of library resources influence their engagement behaviors and academic outcomes. Using data from the Library Use, Knowledge, and Information Survey (LUKIS), the study sheds light on the link between library engagement and academic success. Through descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and regression models, it was found that usage of library facilities and materials positively affects overall engagement. However, a high knowledge of library services was inversely related to GPA, highlighting the complexity of these relationships. The findings underscore the importance of reflective practices and goal setting in enhancing academic engagement.
Although certain relationships were identified, the predictive power of library engagement on academic success was limited. Factors like belonging, goal setting, help-seeking, and reflection were found to impact student engagement more significantly than library use. While there were statistical connections between library knowledge and GPA, these were generally weak and sometimes negative, suggesting that students struggling academically might depend more on library resources to boost their performance.
The results emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of how library engagement interacts with other factors like study habits, course demands, and institutional support to aid student learning. As digital access to information grows, the role of libraries in academic experiences continues to be important but it must also continue to evolve.
This research contributes to the broader discussion on student engagement by situating library use within the context of modern higher education challenges. Employing stratified random sampling, it offers a diverse view on library engagement, setting the stage for future studies to explore optimal conditions for library use and academic support services. Ultimately, the study provides insights for improving library services and enhancing academic success
Recommended Citation
Fragola, Patricia, "Navigating the Nexus: Libraries and Student Engagement in Higher Education" (2025). Culminating Projects in Higher Education Administration. 101.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/hied_etds/101
Comments/Acknowledgements
I am deeply grateful to my committee for their guidance, insight, and patience throughout this process. Your feedback challenged me to think more critically, refine my ideas, and—most importantly—finally finish.
To my colleagues: Thank you for your support, encouragement, and for tolerating my more than occasional research ramblings.
To my friends and family: Your unwavering interest and support (and well-timed distractions) kept me going.
To my amazing spouse: Thank you for your love, your understanding, and for doing the dishes without complaint. You deserve co-author credit for that alone.
And to myself: Well done! Now off to new adventures—ones that hopefully don’t involve APA formatting or citations.