Beyond the traditional metrics: Understanding student success from the perspective of undergraduate students

Student success is a growing focus in higher education, reflected in academic libraries through the creation of student success librarian positions and the enhancement of library student success services. However, a standard definition of ‘student success’ remains an open question in academic conversations, with a notable absence of student input in these discussions. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring how undergraduate students define ‘student success’ through qualitative semi-structured interviews. The findings provide valuable insights into how academic libraries can better align their services with student needs and offer recommendations for improving library student success services. The results of this study underscore the critical need to include students in discussions about student success, ensuring that their voices are integral to defining what success means.