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The Cheng Library has a long history of teaching students how to do research and introducing important information literacy skills. Often, this is done in partnership with faculty, who invite one of our librarians to address the specific research needs of their assignments. But, because of time limitations, it is sometimes necessary to focus on the mechanics of searching, rather than less tangible ideas, such as the quality, organization, and access of information.
In order to engage students in these topics, Cheng librarians met with 31 sections of Will. Power. 101 this past October to present a lesson entitled, the Top 8 Things to Know About the Cheng Library. The lesson introduced the wide range of physical and electronic resources available, spaces, online supports, and highlighted each subject’s dedicated liaison librarian. The lesson even had students locate their librarian, which was especially important in putting a face to the name. Learning outcomes focused on raising student awareness of Library resources and services, while also encouraging them to utilize research supports in their academic work.
Responses to pre- and post-assessment questionnaires presented promising results on the effectiveness of the lesson, with improvements in awareness of our offerings and increased likelihood of using Library services.
Students reported a notable change in awareness following the lesson, with a 38% increase in responses noting moderately or higher familiarity with Library resources and services. Only 21% reported only a slight or complete lack of awareness after the lesson. Among the things that students learned, most mentioned were the Library’s 24/7 chat support, the variety and amount of resources available, and the fact that they had a liaison librarian that they could contact for help.
Also notable in the assessment results was the change in how students viewed the Library as a resource for academic support. When asked to indicate their likelihood of using the Library, 76% reported that they would be likely to use the Library; a 26% increase over the pre-assessment. And finally, when asked how likely they would be to ask for help, 97% responded that they would be comfortable contacting a librarian.
These results highlight the importance of bringing students to the Library, as well as the benefits of engaging students in non-research discussions. We are pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the Will. Power. cohort again this April to present about the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in research.
