1. Using LibGuides for Community Creation on Campus
Hannah Moody-Goo, Instruction and Outreach Assistant
Loyola University Chicago Libraries
Learning Communities
Structure and Content
Conclusion
Loyola University Chicago’s Residence Life has a program called Learning Communities (LCs).
These are theme-based cohorts for freshman students to engage in their LC’s theme through curricula, friendships, events, and academic stakeholders.
There are currently 7 Learning Communities. This poster will focus on content for the GreenHouse community, which includes environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainability.
Content within a subject guide should be:
Contextualized
Diversified
Action-oriented
Dynamic
Subject guides can be integrated into population-specific programs and experiences.
The act of community creation can be facilitated through a library and its tools.
Creating a process allows for consistency and sustainability.
Collaboration should include campus and community.
The structure of these subject guides is aligned with the Learning Communities’ goals, especially the concepts of “Explore” and “Engage”/ “Get Involved”.
The “Explore” tab highlights tailored library resources, along with personalized instructional content for searching and using each resource. A word cloud is also included to help users visualize keywords.
The “Get Involved” tab provides opportunities and programs both on campus and the surrounding communities. Including opportunities for surrounding communities was a critical inclusion, as this aids students in community creation beyond their current campus. “Get Involved” asks students to become active participants in improving and contributing to Chicago neighborhoods.
The “Need Help?” tab is a modified version of the page included on all research guides.
Campus Collaboration
This project began as I saw a collaboration opportunity between the Library and Residence Life.
Identification of student needs and ongoing communication is essential for our success.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to the following people:
Terri Artemchik, Liaison to First & Second Year Programs
Sam Siner, Residence Life
David Posner, Residence Life
Process
Template Creation
Feedback
Implementation
Integration
Sustainability
Mission
Fulfill gaps that Residence Life stakeholders identified within their student populations and the program at large.
Integrate library resources into the student experience of the Learning Community.
Encourage community creation by engaging students in campus and community opportunities.
Contact
Hannah Moody-Goo
Instruction and Outreach Assistant
Loyola University Chicago Libraries