When Leadership Falls Short: The Crisis of Care in Library Work
Posted on in Blog Posts
Building Bridges: How Collaboration Centers Inclusion
Posted on August 22, 2024 in Blog Posts
Authors:
Jamia Williams
Some academic librarians are tasked with creating library programming, which can be the most fun part of our job. However, if an idea requires funding, something that seemed so exciting can turn bleak. Collaboration can help with cost-sharing among many campus groups, and it also helps to center inclusion. Faculty also enjoy these collaborations, especially if they showcase student work. This blog post aims to provide some ideas on ways to collaborate with centers, student organizations, and groups.
Collaborating with Student Organizations and Groups
Collaboration begins with genuine conversations. Reach out to student groups and ask them about their goals, interests, and what they wish to see on campus. This is not about pitching an idea but rather about listening and learning. When students feel heard and know their ideas are valued, they are more likely to engage with the library and its resources. Once you have had these conversations, it is time to find the perfect opportunity for library resources and student interests to intersect. This could be anything from a study night co-hosted with the academic honors society to a film screening with a campus cultural club. The key is ensuring the programming feels relevant and tailored to the students’ needs while aligning with the library’s mission.
Some universities have student centers that support affinity groups like Black students, LGBTQIA+ students, women students, and Muslim students, as just a few examples. Making connections with the leaders of those centers is helpful. These are also great places for librarians to do “pop-ups” around campus when you know the busy study times for students. Personally, I have sat at a table at the Cultural Center, welcoming students as they entered, and we would talk about campus topics and their research interests. It was a great opportunity to talk about the library’s resources and to reinforce that librarians are there to help them while they are students.
Programming Inspiration
Your library might already be implementing your ideas about programming, which is great! One thing I wish I had gotten a chance to do when helping with student programming at a previous institution is to listen to what the students want and then create programming based on their input. I am an ideas person, especially if I see a need; however, it takes building community with the students and faculty to work together on what the campus community wants and needs. Our perspective matters, especially regarding literacy and information access, so having an inclusive approach will further your reach. You can partner with student groups or faculty about their research. For instance, my previous library hosted Scholar’s Day in collaboration with faculty and students, which was a great way to engage with students’ research.
Do not feel confined to the library building when planning library programming. The most exciting programming happens when you take the library to new places. Below are some other ideas I have heard people carry out on college campuses:
- Hosting a poetry slam on the campus quad, with library books on hand for inspiration, for National Poetry Month in April.
- A late-night study session in a dorm lounge with library-provided snacks and stress-relief activities.
- Tabling at different events or places on campus, especially where students are frequently present, is a game changer. A popular place, for instance, is near the food court.
When the library extends its reach across campus, it breaks down the barriers of accessibility and convenience. After each event, take the time to celebrate its success. Whether that is through a post-event debriefing or a thank-you shout-out on social media, recognizing the hard work of everyone involved solidifies the partnership and sets the stage for future collaborations.
Collaboration works best when students feel they have a stake in the process. Encourage them to take the lead on specific aspects of the program, whether marketing, event facilitation, or even curating resources. The more involved they are, the more likely they will spread the word and bring their peers along.
Working with student organizations and groups is one of the most rewarding aspects of creating library programming. When you team up with students, you are not just organizing an event, you are building a bridge between the library and the broader campus community, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging beyond the library’s walls.
Finally, do not let the momentum fade. Follow up with student groups to gather feedback and discuss future ideas. Building long-term relationships with these organizations ensures that the library remains a central, dynamic part of campus life, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. Collaborating with student organizations is not just about enhancing library programming—it is about fostering a vibrant campus culture where everyone feels included and engaged. So, reach out, get creative, and start building those bridges!
About the author:
Jamia Williams (she/her) is a health sciences librarian. She is also the co-creator and co-host of the podcast LibVoices and the founder of The Diversity Fellow’s blog.
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Header image is a detail of This is Harlem by Jacob Lawrence. Courtesy of Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. © 2021 The Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Foundation, Seattle / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. For more information, click here.