Successful Campus Outreach for Academic Libraries

In recent years academic librarians have recognized that they can have a greater impact by connecting with new partners on campus and in the community. Editors Keeran (arts & humanities librarian, Univ. of Denver Libs.) and Forbes (associate dean, Univ. of Denver Libs.) have developed a theoretical overview of outreach and compiled a collection of case studies, mostly by academic librarians, that provide ideas and models for potential activities. Librarians are encouraged to identify service gaps and engage with campus and community colleagues to find solutions. Mandy Havert, digital research and outreach librarian at the University of Notre Dame, offers details on the well-received dissertation and thesis camp that the library cosponsors with the writing center and graduate school to help develop successful scholars. Several case studies focus on community outreach programs that include, for example, STEM programs with underrepresented populations and exhibits that highlight specific ethnic groups, such as exhibits on Islamic art and Jewish songwriters. Librarians are urged to seek opportunities to use their subject knowledge with students, faculty, and the community. VERDICT Outreach librarians will appreciate the variety of institutions represented and the scope of activities described.—Judy Solberg, Sacramento, CA * Library Journal *
A volume of case studies about thoughtful outreach projects that worked and the methods used to measure their success would feel like a life raft to archivists and librarians who often feel like they are just treading water in a vast sea of outreach. Librarians may have found such a source in Successful Campus Outreach for Academic Libraries: Building Community through Collaboration, which demonstrates a wide range of innovative outreach activities as well as provides methods for scalability and for measuring outcomes. * Archival Issues *
Covering key requirements for successful planning, implementation, collaboration, and assessment of outreach programs along with extensive literature reviews and replicable models for programs, Keeran and Forbes have created a useful guide for both new and seasoned outreach librarians as well as those interested in creating or improving outreach programs at their academic library. * Technical Services Quarterly *
Outreach is essential for library engagement in academia and the community. Encompassing many facets of marketing and outreach, this book provides models for building strategies and measuring success. The creative approaches will inspire readers to develop innovative, effective outreach that draws attention to their own libraries' assets and services. -- Katy Kelly, coordinator of marketing and engagement, University of Dayton Libraries