The Small to Mid-Size Academic Library: Collaborations and Outreach

Collaboration is not only a lifeline for small and mid-size academic libraries, it is also their lifeblood.
—From the Foreword by Peter Felten and Joan D. Ruelle

Small to mid-size academic libraries often operate with reduced staffing, smaller budgets, and competing priorities. These limitations reduce the resources that can be allocated to programming and outreach efforts.
 
The Small to Midsize Academic Library: Collaborations and Outreach captures how academic library workers at these institutions are providing engagement and outreach opportunities for students by partnering with other entities across their campuses. In three parts, chapters provide easy-to-implement ideas and strategies for course, campus, and community outreach.

• Part 1: Collaborations
  • Cross-Campus Initiatives
  • External Collaborations
• Part 2: Academic Success Initiatives
  • Writing and Composition
  • Orientation and Programming
• Part 3: Evolving Roles of Libraries in Student Success
  • Student Wellness
  • Emerging Roles for Librarians 

Increased student engagement with cocurricular library and cross-departmental activities can lead to higher student retention and persistence rates. Academic libraries have an important role to play in providing these opportunities, and Collaborations and Outreach provides effective practices for supporting student success.

Camille Abdeljawad is the assistant professor of Library Instruction & Outreach at Park University, where she teaches information literacy and research skills to a diverse student population, including distance and non-traditional students. She earned her master of library science degree at Emporia State University, and her research interests include source authority and misinformation. Camille is an advocate for teaching information literacy skills in every facet of students’ lives.
 
Danielle Theiss is assistant professor and Park University Director of Library, Academic, and Career Success Services and holds an EdD from the University of Kansas, an MBA from Rockhurst University, an MA in Information Science and Learning Technologies as well as a MA in Religious Studies from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Current research interests include library anxiety, assessing library services and resources, services for distance and online learners, and professional development and continuing education for librarians.