Fostering student success: academic, social, and financial initiatives

Abstract

This slim volume is divided into three parts and centres on programs which respond to the changing needs of students, particularly post pandemic. It showcases case studies in higher education libraries in the United States. Part one is titled ‘Support in rapidly changing learning environments’. Six chapters traverse data skills, information literacy instruction, accessibility issues, personalised support and revisioning learning. The first chapter considers how the library can bridge the data divide. It details the experience of one university in formulating a mission statement focused on student employability. In setting up a data studio makerspace, the library provided data literacy education and prepared the community for data centric careers (which are growing exponentially). In the chapter ‘Together from the ground up’, a new collaboration with faculty enabled the library team to further embed themselves in teaching. They moved from traditional demonstrations of library databases into a more structured integration of information literacy principles across the humanities. Other chapters explore strategies for supporting first generation, remote and vulnerable students. Specific outreach projects and new service models are detailed, and one case study outlines the ‘night against procrastination’ program of online webinars. Part two, ‘Programming that fosters inclusion’, targets marginalised groups. One chapter addresses the wellbeing crisis which intensified after the pandemic hit. Some of the strategies include selling sexual health products in vending machines, research guides on wellness topics, food pantries, creating spaces for napping, socialising and meditation. An academic library offered flu shots and de-stressing events with animals as well as financial literacy guidance, one branch set up a ‘Wellness Days’ program, and another a ‘De-stress activities’ page on the main navigation page of their website. In Part three, ‘Libraries providing financial support’, reform in textbook affordability is high on the agenda. Teaching staff are encouraged to redesign coursework so that the emphasis isn’t on commercial books. Other strategies include a lending library for technology, and paid internships for low income and members of underrepresented minority groups. Australian librarians will find this easily digestible book a handy reference tool for ideas and inspiration. Although all case studies are based in the United States there are enough broad ideas to stimulate conversation and highlight universal truths.