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

Purpose: To evaluate the bespoke Resource List Management System (MyReading) at the University
of Huddersfield.

Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was designed to assess student use of MyReading
and their views on potential improvements. The survey used closed questions designed to obtain
quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data obtained from open
questions to obtain.

Findings: The paper supports findings of another recent study which found that reading lists are
perceived as more important by students than by lecturers. A variety of positive and negative
themes emerged which pointed to this conclusion. Positive themes were: the perceived helpfulness
of reading lists; students' view of MyReading as a starting point for independent further reading;
ease of use of MyReading and the time saving afforded to students; the value students place on
their reading lists as being "quality assured" by lecturers. Negative themes were: inconsistency in
the length and structure of lists; concerns that some lists are not regularly updated; lack of
awareness of functionality revealing training needs for students and lecturers; suggestions for future enhancements to MyReading. Another finding from the quantitative data is a clear link between low use of reading lists by students in certain Schools and low use of other library resources.

Practical implication: The research provides guidance to universities regarding future development of Resource List Management Systems and promotional and training needs.

Originality/value: The study adds rich information to the existing body of qualitative research on students' perceptions of their reading lists.