Cloutier, Claudette

Hardy, Madeleine

Lemke, Moira

O’Brien, Meaghan

Wheeler, Justine

PRISM: University of Calgary Digital Repository

University of CalgaryPRISM Repository https://prism.ucalgary.caConferences Conference on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching2013-06Collaborating for Learning with theCommunity: Experience from a Career LIVEbraryWheeler, Justine1st Annual Collaborating for Learning Conference, May, 15-16, 2013, University of Calgary,Calgary, Alberta.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/49844Downloaded from PRISM Repository, University of CalgaryCollaborating for Learning with the Community: Experience from a Career LIVEbraryWhat is a LIVEbrary?LIVEbrary is derived from the concept of a Human Library. The Human Library brings together living books (people) and “readers”. Readers “sign-out” a book and discuss a pre-defined topic with the living book. In other words:  LIVEbrary takes this concept and applies it to university students’ exploration of the world of work.  It is topic focused, not career focused. The first LIVEbrary was held in 2010 as a collaboration between the Haskayne Business Library and the Haskayne Career Centre. The concept soon spread to include the Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) and University Career Services who offer this opportunity to a wider audience of students from multiple faculties.“The Human Library is an innovative method designed to promote dialogue, reduce prejudices and encourage understanding.”¹The EventOne-on-one information interviews between “living books” and students allow employers and alumni the opportunity to share their experience, wisdom and advice in a unique atmosphere. Career Services and the TFDL have expanded the event to host the event in both the fall and winter semester. The Career Centres reach out to alumni and industry professionals to create their library of “living books”. The event is created out of collaboration between Career Centres, Libraries and faculties. The OutcomeThis event continues to be a favourite of both students and employers. Surveys are administered at the end of each event to both groups. All “living books” indicated they would want to participate again.“Participating in an event like this offers me hope and gives me energy to know there is  such an outstanding program to ready the next generation to come into the work force.  I certainly enjoy meeting these fine young people and working with an incredible staff who are so passionate about what they do.  Many thanks for including me in this program for four consecutive years!”“It’s a great experience talking to people who have real world knowledge. Clarifies a lot and opens your mind to new possibilities.”“LIVEbrary is a great opportunity for students to find out more about their concentration, possible career options, and their own taste and passion for a specific field. The perception of a field can be different once a student has contact with a person who is already prepared, has experienced, and pursued a specific career.”“I liked Career LIVEbrary because it offered me an excellent platform to discuss my concerns related to career development and different professions with the experts in related fields. It is also an amazing opportunity to network with people with different interests and backgrounds. I spoke with some ‘books’ about their career paths and what I can learn from them. They offered me a lot of advice related to career preparation and development.”¹http://humanlibrary.org/what-is-the-living-library.html For more information visit ucalgary.ca/careers and haskayne.ucalgary.ca Haskayne Business Library and the Haskayne Career CentreTaylor Family Digital Library and University Career Services5280 minutes of meaningful career conversations over one dayPhotos from past Career Livebraries. Photos by: Riley Brandt2490 minutes of meaningful career conversations over one day264 student appointments each 15 - 20 minutes long166 student appointments, each 15 - 20 minutes long Hosted 33 “books” (industry professionals)Hosted 21 “books” (industry professionals)What students have to say:Want to hear more? Check this video out:What “living books” have to say:University of Calgary, June 2013Project collaborators: Justine Wheeler, Moria Lemke, Claudette Cloutier, Meaghan O’Brien & Madeleine HardyPresenters: Moria Lemke & Claudette CloutierPoster design: Madeleine HardyStaff &  Faculty StudentsYYC CommunityPoster_V1.indd   1 5/3/2013   9:22:50 AM

Collaborating for Learning with the Community: Experience from a Career LIVEbrary

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PRISM: University of Calgary Digital Repository