"Library shock" - the expectations and realities of library and information literacy skills for international students

This article seeks to conceptualise the culture shock experienced by international students studying in UK higher education within the context of the Adsetts Learning Centre at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU). The authors also aim to further understanding in this area by discussing the information literacy skills of international students at SHU. The discussion is informed by the results of a conference presentation activity for SHU staff and a short survey of a small group of international students based at SHU. The article finds that there are issues regarding the level of information literacy skills in many international students when they first start at SHU including reading, referencing and finding and using information through the range of online information databases and other tools available to students at the University. The ways SHU Library counters library shock are outlined and recommendations are made as to how library and academic staff can work together to help address these challenges. By conceptualising culture shock within the library environment, this article helps institutions develop understanding into the academic needs of their international students and how to improve these students' information literacy skills where required.