Tag Archives: academic libraries

Academic Libraries for Bookstore Lovers; or Why Five Browsing Collections Isn’t Really Overkill

Peer-Reviewed Article, , , ,

Michael Kirby
Julia Furay
Robert J. Kibbee Library
Kingsborough Community College
The City University of New York

Abstract

Given the existing research on reading for pleasure and its benefits, many academic libraries have begun to bolster their offerings by purchasing leisure materials for students. At CUNY Kingsborough Community College Library, we have created five separate browsing collections, each focusing on a particular subcategory: LGBTQ, juvenile, Holocaust, new books, and general leisure. What may sound like overkill is actually a targeted endeavor to make our collection more accessible to our users while minimizing shelving confusion for circulation staff. Equally important is highlighting diverse perspectives in a national environment that is increasingly hostile towards minority groups and intellectual freedom. If students are unable to locate materials that challenge overtly politicized narratives, how can we expect them to be well-informed? This article will include a discussion of browsing behavior in academic libraries and the pitfalls and benefits of creating these leisure collections.

Continue reading Academic Libraries for Bookstore Lovers; or Why Five Browsing Collections Isn’t Really Overkill →

Drawing Students In: Doodletober and the Power of Seasonal Creativity in Academic Libraries

Peer-Reviewed Article, , , , , , ,

Mary Katherine Kearns, MLIS, CA
Assistant Librarian/Assistant Professor
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, Louisiana

Abstract

What if a simple doodle could transform a library into a hub of creativity, community, and seasonal engagement? Doodletober is a low-pressure, participatory art initiative designed to engage students in imaginative expression within an academic library setting. Inspired by Inktober, students responded to weekly Halloween-themed prompts through doodling, enabling participation across skill levels. A high-visibility display encouraged participation and informal peer engagement.

Over four weeks, 68 participants contributed to the activity. Many additional library users engaged with the evolving display as viewers. This case study suggests that small-scale, playful programming can provide meaningful opportunities for student engagement and reinforce the library as a space for both research and informal creative expression.

Continue reading Drawing Students In: Doodletober and the Power of Seasonal Creativity in Academic Libraries →

Creative library spaces: The future of the academic library makerspace

Peer-Reviewed Article, , ,

by Jean Bossart
Engineering Librarian
University of Florida
George A. Smathers Libraries
jean.bossart@ufl.edu

Abstract

Although makerspaces have been around for nearly 20 years, they are continually evolving to incorporate new technologies and practices in support of the creativity of their patrons. With the goal of identifying unique or emerging trends in makerspace offerings, a mixed methods investigation of current makerspace technologies was conducted at peer institution academic libraries which included online reviews of makerspace websites, site visits, and interviews with makerspace managers. Since there are over 6000 colleges and universities in the U.S., library makerspaces at universities with top ranked engineering programs were identified for this study. Eight makerspaces in eight different US states were visited. For comparison, four were library makerspaces and four were engineering department makerspaces. To keep making on an innovative trajectory and provide access to newly emerging technologies, interviews with makerspace managers were conducted and included questions regarding trends and innovative new makerspace tools and technologies. Incorporating the arts to foster creativity alongside technical skills was identified as a path to inclusivity and equitable access to maker education.

Continue reading Creative library spaces: The future of the academic library makerspace →

Promotion of Accessible Library Resources: Perspectives and Literature Review on Cooperation with Campus Partners to Better Serve Students with Disabilities

Peer-Reviewed Article, , , , , , ,

Barbara M. Pope
Reference/Periodicals Librarian
Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg KS
bpope@pittstate.edu
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8419-4839

Samantha Thompson-Franklin
Collections & Government Information Librarian
University of Idaho, Moscow ID
sthompsonfranklin@uidaho.edu
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6945-9173

Abstract

Accessibility in academic libraries touches on many different issues, such as access to buildings and facilities, websites, software, hardware, and the library’s collections. This article reviews the literature on accessibility in higher education, focusing on the topic of collaboration among departments on university and college campuses with the goal of better serving students with disabilities. These entities include the academic library, student disability services, and teaching faculty, among other possibilities. Students with disabilities attending institutions of higher education without accessible library resources and students who are unaware of available resources may be unable to fully participate in or complete their education. However, accessibility in library resources and services helps to eliminate those barriers, but the information must be communicated to those who need it, including student disability services, teaching faculty, and students themselves. Ideally, academic libraries should collaborate with campus partners to assess existing resources and services in order to provide students with disabilities with accessible learning and support materials and make the campus more accessible for all students.

Continue reading Promotion of Accessible Library Resources: Perspectives and Literature Review on Cooperation with Campus Partners to Better Serve Students with Disabilities →

Championing Change: The EDI Scholars-in-Residence Program at UBC Library

Peer-Reviewed Article, , , , , ,

By Allan Cho, Community Engagement Librarian, University of British Columbia (UBC) Library

Lisabelle Tan, Master’s in Library and Information Studies (MLIS) Candidate, University of British Columbia, School of Information

Abstract

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Library’s EDI Scholars in Residence Program, initiated in 2022, addresses equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in academia. This innovative program fosters inclusivity by providing scholars from historically marginalized backgrounds with research opportunities and access to library resources. The article explores the program’s genesis, principles, and impact, highlighting its significance in dismantling systemic barriers. A review of EDI concepts and institutional strategies underscores the importance of nuanced approaches. By promoting collaboration and research, the program exemplifies a transformative initiative in advancing EDI within academic libraries and higher education institutions.

Keywords: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Academic Libraries, Programming
Continue reading Championing Change: The EDI Scholars-in-Residence Program at UBC Library →