Abstract
Librarians falling short in their outreach efforts can improve by examining their assumptions of their patron base, learning more about their campus community, being open to the need for revision and by welcoming feedback from your population. This column explores the true importance of knowing the library’s users and how doing so can make for successful outreach. Examples of outreach materials are included.
Highlights
Westminster College Abstract: Librarians falling short in their outreach efforts can improve by examining their assumptions of their patron base, learning more about their campus community, being open to the need for revision and by welcoming feedback from your population
The library had been without an Outreach Librarian for over 3 years which meant there weren’t consistent programs and outreach approaches for me to take over and learn from upon starting the position
With my time as a student in my rearview mirror and some overconfidence that my youthful age would help in my outreach efforts, I assumed that I knew what college students wanted and outreach would be natural and easy for me
Summary
Westminster College Abstract: Librarians falling short in their outreach efforts can improve by examining their assumptions of their patron base, learning more about their campus community, being open to the need for revision and by welcoming feedback from your population. ● All students like to stop and talk to strangers at booths (even more wrong) ● Students are interested in library events and services as I am (wrong) I was wrong and needed to take a step back and examine what students at this campus need, want, and deserve. I needed to reinvent my approach, learn the campus culture, and innovate an outreach program with the students in mind.
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