The ACRL University Libraries Section (ULS) Current Topics Discussion Group invites you to join us for a series of lighting talks and online discussion about welcoming students back to our spaces through academic library makerspaces.
Register online and join us for this virtual discussion session on Wednesday, May 31 at 11 a.m. PST / 12 p.m. MST / 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. EST
Lightning Session 1: Baby Dinosaurs Are Wandering the Library: Creating a Dynamic, Student-Focused Library Social Media Campaign
Speaker: Samantha Geiger, Makerspace Coordinator, Steely Library at Northern Kentucky University
Description: This talk will share an overview of how a mid-sized public academic library created and executed a dynamic, successful, student-focused social media campaign in Spring 2022 that harnessed the power of storytelling, prizes, and real time campaign adjustments to increase the awareness of our new Makerspace, bring new users into the library, and expand our social media following and engagement.
Lightning Session 2: Friday Finish at Indiana University
Speaker: Leanne Nay, Digital Engagement Librarian, IU Libraries
Description: In the Spring of 2023, the IU Libraries hosted weekly sessions on Fridays aimed at bringing students into the libraries and encouraging them to get a head start on their coursework going into the weekend. In order to engage students, the Libraries offered snacks and numerous activities. The Wells Library Makerspace hosted six different activities that proved to be the most popular. By the end of the semester, students named the Makerspace as the main draw to come to the library. This talk will review the specific activities, lessons learned, and future plans.
Lightning Session 3: Sew What's New?: MAKING it back to the Libraries
Speakers: Darcy Del Bosque, Head, Research, Innovation, and Creation, and Lateka Grays, Hospitality Librarian, University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries
Description: The pandemic not only reduced the number of students on campus and in the library, but also decreased the engagement of those who actually do make it to the building. Librarians at UNLV wanted to find a way to inspire students to make use of the unique library resources available in the Makerspace. They also acknowledged the difficulty that the last few years have brought and wanted to find ways to interact with students that helped them to destress and create connection. In 2022 the Makerspace received an LSTA grant with the purpose of purchasing lower tech equipment that might attract new users to the space. As part of these purchases a new embroidery machine and sticker maker were purchased. Instruction on the new equipment was part of the grant funding requirements, but given the more disengaged nature of the student body, it was determined that just advertising orientations might not be enough to attract students to the events. To try to generate excitement around the new technology and to attract new users to the Makerspace a promo event was created.
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H Pedelty
University of Iowa
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