Libguides as tools to support teaching and learning of postgraduate students at a South African university

Abstract

This study investigates the use of LibGuides as a tool to support teaching and learning for postgraduate students. These students are mainly master’s and PhD candidates, at a South African Tertiary Institution. The research primarily focused on the following five departments of the Faculty of Humanities: Psychology, Sociology, Political Studies, Social Work, and Criminology. The study aimed to assess how LibGuides currently available on the library website, supports postgraduate students in their academic and research activities, particularly in accessing information, developing research skills, and engaging with discipline-specific resources. To achieve this, a mixed-method research design was adopted to provide a comprehensive overview of how LibGuides are used. Quantitative data was collected through an online questionnaire survey, while qualitative findings were drawn from the observations of participant of students’ online engagement with guides. Constructivist Learning Theory informed the analysis, allowing the study to examine how students develop knowledge and skills through their engagement with LibGuides. Building on this context, the literature review contextualises the study within the background of existing and previous research on LibGuides and digital learning tools. It highlights four themes: The use of LibGuides, students’ learning experiences, their perceptions of the guides, and their principles underlying them. This analysis identified both the strengths and limitations of the current use of LibGuides in higher education, highlighting the importance of ongoing enhancement to ensure their continued relevance and impact in supporting teaching and learning. This study is predicted to provide valuable insights into the role of LibGuides as a learner- centred support tools in postgraduate education. By identifying both its strengths and areas for improvement, the findings can inform best practices for enhancing visibility, content quality, and design. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how LibGuides can be embedded into postgraduate teaching and research to support student success at the master’s and PhD levels.