International students' use of a library's media collection

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential benefits to international students provided by the library's foreign films collection at a mid-sized, rural, public university. The literature on international students shows that they often find library services intimidating. However, there is very little literature on the relationship between international students and their use of library collections. Interviews were conducted with international students new to the university, seeking to determine if providing familiar films eases students' transition and acculturation. Although circulation data show that the foreign films are popular, interviews with international students indicated preference for American films to gain cultural confidence.

► International students may experience difficulty in acculturation and anxiety about library use.
► International students were surveyed about use and attitude about library videos.
► Video collection includes many general interest movies in addition to curriculum specific holdings.