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Academic libraries proudly own the reputation of that reliable location on college campuses for research, study groups, special collections, and maybe the occasional cafe. Faculty members turn to librarians for guidance with course instruction and publications, groups collaborate to host panel discussions and exhibitions, and library staff consistently build collections.
Yet, every semester, students occupy comfortable seating areas, quiet spaces, computer stations, and reading rooms. Students – including undergrads and transfers to graduate and international – seek advice, explore archives, and pull all-nighters during final exams. Often open 24 hours and on most holidays, academic libraries are, without a doubt, part of the student experience.
To shed traditional thoughts that university and college libraries fulfill a student’s need to check out books, these necessary facilities currently promote their identity as a major resource and outlet for both scholarly and social exploration. Notably, libraries use unique approaches to welcome students, frequently through events at the start of the fall and spring semesters and by aligning their facilities with campus-wide programming.
Connect with Students as Early as Possible
“One of the ways that we try to build connectivity is to be where the students are, talking with them at events, in classes, even in the dining halls,” said Holly Jackson, student success librarian at Commonwealth University (CU) Libraries. “We have a table at orientation events and other campus events like the Women’s Resource Fair. We have sessions with each of our first-year students and get to talk to new students directly.”
CU-Mansfield’s library staff and faculty collaborate across campus, taking on committee roles that center on the student experience. They participate in campus events, contribute as student organization advisors, offer information literacy instruction in the classroom, and work with student organizations and other campus departments to host workshops. By developing partnerships, CU-Mansfield generates more opportunities to make lasting impressions.
“I serve on several committees across campus that allow collaboration with those planning things for new students,” said Jackson. This includes taking part in the Student Success and Campus Life Subcommittee of the University Senate, the First Year Experience Committee, and the Honors College Council.
“The last few years, I’ve worked with CU Mansfield’s bridge program for incoming first-year students, providing a library workshop for these students to introduce them to resources and get them thinking about how we can work together,” she said.
Therapy Dogs, Schwag, Snacks for Students
Syracuse University (SU) Libraries also focus on greeting new students as they join the campus community. During the first week of fall classes, SU Libraries hosts a half-day Welcome Fest where students can spend time with therapy dogs, hang out with the university’s mascot, take photos, and grab gifts, snacks, and giveaways, all while learning more about the libraries’ services. And, like CU-Mansfield, Syracuse adds to the student experience through collaboration.
“We partner with the university’s Retention and Student Success department in many ways, including hosting events, such as the Transfer Fair where students can learn more about the various majors available to them,” explained Melinda Dermody, SU Libraries’ associate dean for academic success.
“We are also a central location for this department’s summer program and orientation activities, with game nights and other fun activities that incorporate library information and instruction,” she said.
Dermody credits a library research guide for strengthening connectivity with students, since all first-year students take a Freshman Year Seminar course that requires them to apply the guide in a course assignment.
Both Syracuse University and CU-Mansfield libraries shape their promotional strategies on outreach and branding, which may also spark inspiration within the walls and halls of other academic libraries.
Marketing and Communications at SU Libraries
- Manage and oversee social media accounts, including interactions like student-takeovers of SU-Libraries’ accounts and behind-the-scenes posts
- Utilize promotional items for distribution
- Present data, stories, and examples of the libraries’ student engagement efforts in annual reports and the SU Libraries’ magazine.
CU-Mansfield Library
- Provide outreach with departments they represent via emails, by visiting with faculty, and through the publication of newsletters
- Share the library’s annual report with examples of CU-Mansfield’s role in the student experience
- Distribute the CU-Mansfield Library’s tri-annual LibQUAL+ survey and report
While the two libraries strategically expand their reputations as significant contributors to the overarching student experience, they also help students break away from a semester’s daily grind.
At CU-Mansfield, the campus community might find the student success librarian working with the Student Gardening and Sustainability Club and offering workshops on helpful plant and gardening tips.
Dermody highlighted SU Libraries’ work with the university’s wellness center to create a satellite MindSpa, complete with a massage chair and mediation rooms.
“We connect with students in as many ways as possible and as early as possible,” she said.
