"Ready, Set, Go!” Research readiness of distance graduate students

This study explores the research needs of distance graduate students. Distance graduate students were invited to complete a research readiness self-assessment. The RRSA survey tool allowed the students to receive immediate feedback and supportive resources while providing the researcher with data on their skill level, confidence, and overall research readiness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted within a week of the self-assessment to further explore the students’ knowledge and use of library services and resources. The goals of the study were to:

1. gain an understanding of the research readiness of distance graduate students
2. to improve library services to better meet the needs of the students in a manner that supported students even during the research process.

 
The findings of the study highlight the need for the library to be better integrated into distance graduate programs.