17 SPEC Kit 361: Outreach and Engagement We define outreach as promoting library services to the campus community. We use a variety of tactics/ activities for outreach. Examples: events, student wellness activities with campus partners, digital/ web/print promotions, social media, campus infofairs, student orientations, blog and traditional media stories, sharing our spaces with student groups, contests (Images of Research), theme weeks (Science Literacy Week, Research Data Management Week), U/X tests for website and other library services. We have a multi-branch library system, which means that we can sometimes have varying definitions for outreach. We do try to distinguish outreach from information literacy/teaching. Typically, we define outreach as resource tables, events, and other outreach activities in which a presentation is generally NOT given, but rather engagement is done in small groups. Outreach on our campus is done with our primary clientele (students and faculty), as well as outreach to the community. We have defined different types of outreach activities at the University Libraries, mainly geared towards students. Definition of Outreach Types. Mobile Outreach: Outreach, learning, and engagement programming typically offered using InfoMotion or similar roving structure or location specific set- up. May be affiliated with other outreach or event programming. Content may highlight Libraries’ learning opportunities, community, research experts, collections, services, or a combination. (Example: InfoMotion, Pop up libraries) Tabling Outreach: Outreach, learning, and engagement programming typically offered in concert with campus or community or welcome event. Content may highlight Libraries’ learning opportunities, community, research experts, collections, services, or a combination. (Example: Academic Fair, New Faculty Welcome) Whole Learner Outreach: Social, mental, physical, or intellectual programming to promote learner well being. May be affiliated with other outreach or event programming. (Example: therapy dogs, stress relief kits, finals teas, yoga, coloring stations) Book Displays: A small scale public display of books, collections, promotional materials, etc. The display may highlight Libraries’ learning opportunities, community, research experts, collections, services, or a combination. May be affiliated with other outreach or event programming. Events, Receptions, and Celebrations: A hosted event scheduled at a specific date and time meant to draw targeted awareness. May be offered in connection with a national, international, campus, or regional event. May also be associated with another outreach activity (such as a display). May include screenings/unveilings, speakers/lectures, collaborative activities or general socializing. (Example: New faculty reception, Donor’s reception, National monthly celebrations, Wikipedia edit-a-thon) We consider many of the activities below (orientations and tours) to fall under teaching interactions. We also consider many below (such as social media) to be marketing. We use the term engagement and define it as programming, events, activities, and partnerships that build relationships with the university community and raise awareness of the library staff, services, and resources available. This includes both internal and external potential users. We use the term outreach to encompass both services to the institution and its units, as well as to external bodies. 2. In a typical calendar year, how frequently does your library conduct outreach and engagement activities for each of the following populations? Select one choice per row. Select NA (not applicable) if your library does not conduct activities for a particular group. N=57 Populations NA 1X 2X 3X 4X 5X 6X or more N Undergraduate students 0 0 1 0 2 0 54 57 Graduate students 0 0 0 2 4 1 50 57 Faculty (tenure-track and/or adjunct) 1 2 1 4 3 0 45 56 General public 6 3 3 4 3 1 36 56
Previous Page Next Page