Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

11-2025

Academic Department

Library Services

Abstract or Description

Libraries are an integral support system for students within a university organization, serving a unique purpose for students as they reinforce both academic and social emotional needs, ultimately lending to persistence, retention and graduation efforts. Academic libraries are also a third place in the lives of many students, helping them find their people and make community on campus. Over the last three years, faculty librarian Amy Odwarka from Mary J. Booth Library at Eastern Illinois University collaborated with students to build a robust student driven engagement team, the Library Ambassadors of Booth (the LAB), encouraging peer to peer communication and connection about library services that focus on student success, belonging and value at the library. Each semester, the LAB organizes multiple events to showcase library services for their peers. Some events are social in nature while others have a true academic scope, but all have successful attendance and positive feedback response from attendees. In this time the team has grown exponentially, taking on new responsibilities that help library administration understand the student perspective on library services, market library resources in fresh, student-centered avenues and grow a sense of community and belonging for all students at EIU. This student led team is not only helping their peers find community, but learning transferable skills at the same time that are resume worthy. Ultimately, the LAB finds success not just in quantitative measurements, with hundreds of students attending events throughout a year, but in qualitative measurements of how LAB events are impacting the student experience on campus. Join their librarian faculty advisor for an engaging presentation and discussion about how the LAB encourages peers to access library resources, adds to university efforts to keep everyone on track and share the message with all students that they belong at Booth.

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Online webinar presentation

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