Incoming Graduate Student Orientation Survey (09/01/06)
1. My experience with libraries other than Brown is:
yes
no
Respondent Total
I’ve used a college/university library.
99% (80)
1% (1)
81
I’ve used a public library.
92% (69)
8% (6)
75
A librarian has shown me how to use a library.
65% (47)
35% (25)
72
Total Respondents
81
(skipped this question)
0
2. I have used the following tools in research or other projects in the past:
yes
no
Respondent Total
Google
100% (81)
0% (0)
81
Google Scholar
44% (31)
56% (39)
70
Other search engine (Yahoo, etc.)
92% (72)
8% (6)
78
Wikipedia
87% (68)
13% (10)
78
News websites (NY Times, CNN.com)
85% (62)
15% (11)
73
Total Respondents
81
(skipped this question)
0
3. To find answers related to coursework I would feel comfortable with the following:
yes
no
Respondent Total
Approach a library staff member in the library
95% (77)
5% (4)
81
Approach a library staff member via email
84% (63)
17% (13)
75
Approach a library staff member via instant messenger
33% (24)
67% (48)
72
Approach a library staff member via phone
61% (46)
39% (29)
75
Total Respondents
81
(skipped this question)
0
4. I expect to do the majority of my research:
yes
no
Respondent Total
from a computer off-campus
77% (57)
23% (17)
74
from a computer on-campus
74% (53)
26% (19)
72
in the library
70% (53)
30% (23)
76
in a computer cluster on campus
43% (29)
57% (38)
67
Total Respondents
80
(skipped this question)
1
5. I’m aware of the different types of information available through specific resources:
yes
no
Respondent Total
Library catalog
80% (63)
20% (16)
79
A subscription database (JSTOR, Academic Search Premier)
68% (54)
32% (25)
79
Internet
91% (71)
9% (7)
78
Total Respondents
81
(skipped this question)
0
6. I feel confident I will be able to familiarize myself with the resources and practices of the Brown University Library.
Response Percent
Response Total
Strongly Agree
42.5
%
34
Agree
40%
32
Disagree
2.5%
2
Strongly Disagree
0%
0
I'd like some help in this area
15%
12
Total Respondents
80
(skipped this question)
1
7. I’m aware of strategies that will help me avoid plagiarism.
Response Percent
Response Total
Strongly Agree
39.5%
32
Agree
40.7
%
33
Disagree
2.5%
2
Strongly Disagree
1.2%
1
I'd like some help in this area
16%
13
Total Respondents
81
(skipped this question)
0
8. I’m comfortable formatting a research project according to a particular style guide (MLA, APA, or Chicago).
Response Percent
Response Total
Strongly Agree
17.7%
14
Agree
39.2
%
31
Disagree
8.9%
7
Strongly Disagree
1.3%
1
I'd like some help in this area
32.9%
26
Total Respondents
79
(skipped this question)
2
9. I would be able to decide whether a particular website qualifies as a reliable and credible source appropriate for use in a research project.
Response Percent
Response Total
Strongly Agree
29.6%
24
Agree
44.4
%
36
Disagree
2.5%
2
Strongly Disagree
0%
0
I'd like some help in this area
23.5%
19
Total Respondents
81
(skipped this question)
0
10. Degree program:
Total Respondents
44
(skipped this question)
37
11. Name:
Total Respondents
27
(skipped this question)
54
12. Email:
Total Respondents
26
(skipped this question)
55
13. Alt Email:
Total Respondents
13
(skipped this question)
68
