When the library closes: Assessing the academic impact on engagement, citation practices, and performance in first-year students

Abstract

In 2023, an Australian Tertiary Education Provider (ATP) closed one of its physical branch libraries. This study examined the library engagement, citation behavior, and academic performance of first-year students across ATP campuses from 2022 to 2024, to evaluate the impact of this closure on student outcomes. Using citation analysis from the final assessment of a core multidisciplinary subject, alongside final grades and borrowing data, the study found that students primarily relied on digital library resources. Citation patterns closely aligned with faculty guidance, and academic performance trended with their library usage and citation patterns. Finally, due to students' reliance on digital library resources, there was no clear impact on student performance with the closure of the physical branch library.