Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The terminology used to refer to students in academic libraries has evolved over time, reflecting changing perspectives on the relationship between the library and its users. Historically, students have been commonly referred to as patrons, a term that emphasizes the role of the library as a service provider and the students as recipients of this service. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards using terms like client or customer to describe students in academic libraries, reflecting a more market-oriented approach that emphasizes user satisfaction and engagement. This research project aims to explore the implications of these different terms - client, customer, and patron - on how we perceive and interact with students in academic libraries. By examining the historical context of these terms and their underlying connotations, we seek to understand how each term shapes the relationship between the library and its users. Additionally, we will investigate how the use of these terms influences the services and resources provided to students, as well as their overall experience within the library. Through a combination of literature review, surveys, and interviews with librarians and students, we will gather data on current practices and attitudes towards the terminology used to refer to students in academic libraries. We will also explore how students themselves perceive these terms and whether they feel that they accurately reflect their relationship with the library. Our findings will contribute to the ongoing discussion within the library profession about the most appropriate terminology to use when referring to students. By examining the implications of using terms like client, customer, or patron, we hope to provide insights into how these different labels shape the way we engage with our users and build relationships with our community of student and faculty scholars. Ultimately, this research project seeks to promote a more nuanced understanding of the role of students in academic libraries and foster a more inclusive and user-centered approach to library services and outreach.

Thesis Overview