Recognizing,Understanding, and Responding:

Students from different cultures are a significant and growing patron group in American academic libraries. Not only do their diverse educational backgrounds present barriers to library use, but cultural characteristics can affect communication and understanding with the librarians trying to assist them. A model which can be used to develop or expand library service for international students and which is adaptable to any size institution is presented. The model, which incorporates a review of the literature and survey results from Ohio institutions, includes five programs: (1) promotional, (2) instructional, (3) staff development, (4) written, and (5) purchase.