Academic Libraries as Active Contributors to Student Wellness

Colleges and universities have come to realize that student wellness is a factor in student retention and success. While academic libraries have not generally been included in wellness initiatives they are strategically placed on college campuses to play an essential role. By parlaying their reputations as trusted information providers and community centers, academic libraries can partner with more traditional campus health providers to be active and effective participants in this essential form of outreach

The Influence of the Online Availability of USGS Topographic Maps on Weeding Decisions in Academic Libraries

This study looked at the degree to which the online availability of U.S. Geological Survey historical topographic maps affects academic libraries’ decisions to withdraw the print versions of those maps. Other factors in making the decisions, such as usage, user preferences, support of academic programs, user discovery, shelving location, and printing options, were also investigated. Results show that while in 40% of the cases the online USGS historical topographic maps influenced the decision to weed, the need for space was the overwhelming driver of print USGS topographic map collection weeding within the past ten years

Linking Arms Around Students in Crisis: Connecting with Campus Safety Units

Presented at the 2015 Access Services Conference, Georgia Tech Global Learning Center and the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, November 11-13, 2015, Atlanta, Georgia.Mary C. Aagard joined Boise State University's Albertsons Library as Head, Access Services in January 2012. She manages circulation, course reserves, stacks maintenance, computer lab support, technology lending, building operation, space planning, and safety training. She also serves as a liaison to the Communication Department. Mary earned her M.L.S. from the School of Library and Information Science at Indiana University in Indianapolis, and a B.A. in Media Arts Studies from Brigham Young University. Before coming to Boise State, Mary worked at Purdue University Libraries as a circulation manager in the life sciences library, and as a special project librarian.Public services staff encounter students in different ways than their professors. It is a unique position to offer assistance to students exhibiting crisis related symptoms in the library. We have all witnessed our fair share of panic attacks, jilted girlfriend crying fits, seizures, computer crash meltdowns, inebriation and other medical and stress induced emergencies inside the library. How do we help or to whom do we refer those students? Campus security, health services, advising and dean of students become strategic allies in helping library staff work with students. Knowing more about what those offices do and having connections with their employees creates opportunities for us to help students when they are in need. As we develop robust relationships with these partners, we also must balance that caring impulse for students with the need to protect their privacy and protect the library as a place of open intellectual expression. This session will share successful strategies for working with campus support services, and lead a discussion about strategies for connecting with other campus entities and supporting students in crisis

Learning from Degree-Seeking Older Adult Students in a University Library

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of library resources and services by degree-seeking older adult students (aged 50 years and over) and it is driven by the role of libraries in serving this often overlooked student population. Older adult students bring many benefits to the life of college campuses; nevertheless, many of these students also face challenges in meeting their information needs in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The authors surveyed degree-seeking older adult students at a comprehensive metropolitan university in the western USA. Surveys were distributed to 579 students enrolled in the spring semester 2013, 134 students completed the 15-question online survey about the use of the library, information-seeking behaviors and use of other university services. Findings – The self-reported findings confirmed that the library meets most of the information needs of this student population. Students commented on satisfaction with the library services, barriers to using the library, areas in need of improvement and use of other university services. Research limitations/implications – Survey participants were gathered from one university and a corresponding sample size of 18-24-year-old students were not surveyed. More research is needed to demonstrate how this particular group varies from their traditional aged counterparts. Practical implications – This paper can be used as a starting point for future research into the information-seeking behaviors and needs of degree-seeking older adult students to develop greater understanding of this diverse population and their unique strengths and challenges. There is an absence in the literature on this demographic group in academic libraries. Originality/value – The article includes recommendations for further study and suggests outreach opportunities directed to older adult students that can also benefit the growing diversity of college students

Building Better Collections Through Relationships: Sharing Expertise During Collection Downsizing

Boise State University’s Albertsons Library undertook a substantial collection downsizing project in 2017. A survey tool was developed to investigate whether this project would strengthen working relationships between technical services staff and librarians. The survey would allow us to assess the process and its outcomes and gain insight into the emotions of those participating in the project. Survey results showed librarians and staff members had different experiences during the project. Librarians experienced more anxiety during the process than staff. More staff than librarians felt that there was a barrier to sharing their expertise due to their job role. Perceptions of technical services and librarians were not significantly changed throughout the process, although survey comments indicated an increased collegiality among staff and librarians as a result of the project. The comments of the survey respondents revealed that a high-level strategy for weeding and a shared understanding of objectives and best practices would have given the project more cohesion, supported buy-in, and increased participation. Using a survey such as this prior to undertaking a large-scale weeding process would help identify communication preferences, areas where training is needed, and best practices to use for the project. A similar survey after the project would evaluate the success of implantation from the perspective of library employees