Student reading lists: evaluating the student experience at the University of Huddersfield

What is it about?

This article evaluates feedback from University of Huddersfield students on their use of MyReading, an on-line Reading List Management System developed in-house. One of the main project objectives was to improve students’ experience of using reading lists and a student survey was conducted to check whether this had been achieved. The article sets out the methodology used, the main results identifying positive and negative themes and concludes that MyReading is a valuable student tool which enhances their learning. However, there is a need for it to be fully adopted by lecturers and fully embedded into their teaching rather than used a bolt-on extra.

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Why is it important?

This study adds to the small body of existing research on student attitudes towards their reading lists. In particular it points to the fact that students tend to place a high value on their reading lists and want their lecturers and library staff to invest time and money in making sure that reading lists are up to date and fit for purpose and that books or articles are easily accessible. The research revealed the need for more awareness raising amongst lecturers that students value their reading lists and also for training to enable lecturers to keep up to date and structure their reading lists in ways which enhance students’ experiences of using them

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