Format Preferences of Performing Arts Students

This research examines performing art students' preferences for accessing various types of information, factors in their selection process, and their opinions on what the library should purchase. A Performing Arts Library at a large public university created a two-page paper survey, which was completed by 182 students studying music, dance, and/or theater. Results indicated that these students preferred print books and scores, as well as electronic access to journals and audio. There was an approximate split for physical and virtual reference and video materials. The data also suggests that, while students support the trend of more electronic access, they want librarians to continue to acquire a mixture of electronic and traditional resources.