UVic librarians and staff help international students to navigate their academic journey in a variety of ways. “The people around us at the library are always helpful,” says Sadaf Seraj, a second-year Master of Education student from India. “I always make a point to ask ‘Can you help me with that? How does this work?’”
International Student Welcome and Tour Sessions
At the beginning of the fall and winter terms, staff take incoming students on guided library tours to help encourage the use of library resources and services. Several tours are scheduled specifically for international students, including welcome sessions in coordination with departments and faculties, as well as with the International Centre for Students.
International Student Support Librarians
UVic librarians provide subject-specific research and citation help through one-on-one appointments, instructional seminars, and workshops. Students can book appointments for specific concerns like “How do I cite this paper in APA style?” or general support like “How do I get started doing university-level research?”
International Student Support Librarians like Ying Liu (Humanities) and David Boudinot (Social Sciences) provide research help tailored to international students’ needs as they adapt to life in Canada. Other librarians also help international students across popular disciplines like business, engineering, and the sciences.
Working with the International Centre for Students, the International Student Liaison at the University of Victoria Students’ Society, and others, Liu and Boudinot help to plan and deliver outreach, consultation, communication, instruction and other services to international students both in person and virtually.
“I try as much as possible to make sure international students receive real academic support whether they need an article, book, research help, or if they have a pressing question––even if they just want to come to talk,”
Aditi Gupta, Engineering and Science librarian
Support in understanding Canadian academic integrity practices
Differences in citation practices between countries can present challenges for international students. Librarians help students understand the conventions of academic research and citation in Canada through many formats, including face-to-face meetings, texts and emails.
Students can get personalized help with citations and academic integrity by booking an appointment with a librarian or by using research help chat. The UVic Libraries website also has a wealth of comprehensive citation guides in dozens of styles and help guides for conducting research in every department.
“There is a range of support, and we want to show students that although the library can be a very confusing place, it’s okay not to know. That’s why you’re here to learn and have an enriching experience,”
David Boudinot, Social Sciences International Student Support Librarian
Librarians like Jessica Mussell (Human and Social Development) and Emily Nickerson (Business and Law) conduct citation justice workshops that introduce the politics and diversification of citation. “In my library instruction sessions I connect academic integrity and citation to practical policies like UVic’s academic integrity policy and the Gustavson School of Business’ Standards of Professional Behavior. These resources highlight how we need to adhere to policies in the Canadian academic and professional contexts, while acknowledging different citation practices from other cultures,” says Nickerson.
UVic librarians provide invaluable support to international students both within and across their specific areas of study, helping equip them for the rewards and challenges of university life and research abroad.
