Student Affairs Connection: Promoting the Library through Co-Curricular Activities

LAUNC-CH Conference2010

Kathy CroweAssociate Dean for Public Services

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNCG

• Doctoral/Research-Intensive University• Enrollment: 17,540 (16,090.25 FTE)• Undergraduate: 14,315 (13,583.25 FTE)• Graduate: 3,225 (2,507 FTE)• 31% live on campus (80% of freshmen)• 59% of graduate students; 11% of

undergraduates part time

University Libraries

• Jackson Library and Music Library

• 1.2 million book volumes

• 37,000+ e-subscriptions• 500 databases• 100 faculty & staff• Space-challenged!

Public Services Mission

• “Public services provides the environment, expertise and systems to advance and support learning, knowledge-seeking and research to the University community and North Carolina citizens.”

Public Services Goals (selected)

– Provide up-to-date learning spaces, technology and equipment

– Develop marketing and publicity programs to ensure that the UNCG community is aware of Libraries’ resources and services

– Connect with UNCG student, academic and administrative units to integrate the Libraries with the curriculum and student life

Program facets

• Liaison program• Student Libraries Advisory Council (SLAC)• Activity Fairs• Special Events

Liaisons to Student Services and Organizations

• Began in 2006• 16 offices or organizations• Offices include Writing Center, Service

Learning, Disability Services, Dean of Students, Athletics, Living/Learning Communities, Student Success Center

• Student organizations include SGA, GSA, Greek societies, Radio, UNCG Green

Goals for liaisons

• Serve as vital role in marketing the Libraries to students

• Make students more aware of the Libraries’ resources and services

• Learn about students’ Library needs and report back.

Liaison activities

• Meet with directors or leaders• Provide programs• Communicate information about services and

resources• Attend appropriate meetings and social events

Residence Life

• Participate in Residence Life programs

• First-year Experience and Living Learning Communities

• Work with Residence Life staff

Programming

• Student Athletes• Academic Integrity• Parent and Family Council• Student Government meetings• Space for tutoring• Sustainability Film Series• Equipment & services for disabled students

Student Libraries Advisory Council (SLAC)

• Established in 2007• Includes diverse students – undergrad,

graduate, adult students, student employees• Work with SGA and GSA to appoint• Meet twice a semester with public services

librarians• Sounding board for changes in policies and

procedures

SLAC topics

• Feedback on brochures• Feedback on marketing messages• Advice on how to reach students• What’s important about the Libraries to

students• Feedback on new furniture

Activity Fairs

• Fall Kick-off• June orientation & pre-

registration• Admissions events• Graduate student

orientation

Special Events

Game Night With free pizza!

Trick or Treat

• Marketing the collaboratories

Free Coffee during exams

Stress-Free Zone

Outcomes

• Participation and collaboration across the Libraries

• Collaboration with Student Affairs• Collaboration with student organizations• Reach students out of the classroom • Reach diverse groups of students

Results

• Student feedback and input inspired many changes to make the Libraries more user-centered– Food policy– 24/5 service– Laptop checkout– Updating facilities– Collaboratories– Carrels– Group and quiet floors

Results

• Gate counts up 42% over past four years• Increase in 24/5 counts 164%• Laptop lending increased 79% in one year• Satisfaction scores in Sophomore and Senior

surveys increased (9% in overall score over 10 years)

• Group studies heavily reserved• Library pronounced “hip!”

Future

• Student Affairs Division has moved under Provost’s office

• Enhance collaboration between Student Affairs and Libraries

• Expand involvement in Living Learning Communities

• Participate in renewed synergy between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs

• Expand learning spaces in Library

Thank-you for coming!

•Questions?•Comments?