Bouncing back: Re-engaging students with the Libraries

As the COVID-19 pandemic eased, Western relaxed COVID-19 restrictions for the campus in August 2022. Our Broncos bounced back strong and were eager to experience campus more fully in the fall semester. Campus was buzzing with activity and energy from students ready to get offline and get involved on campus. This renewed energy was present across campus, especially in the University Libraries.

Dr. Susan Steuer noted that students and instructors were excited for hands-on library experiences at the Zhang Legacy Collections Center.

"I think instructors are finding that their students enjoy having an in-person experience after a few years of online classes," Steuer says. "[We offer] a hands-on experience that can't be replicated outside of a lab or the environment we have with the archives."

"One of our most vibrant classes is a theater history group. It's a whole group of extroverts," Steuer says. The class utilized materials from the WMU Archives, Regional History Collection and Special Collections, viewing photos, playbills, scripts and posters. The class used their visit to the Zhang to inspire their final class project and to show them the type of materials they might use to research future productions.

"It gives them insights into the broad range of sources that exist," says Steuer. "It's really fun because there aren't many classes where we use all the collections."

"Opportunities feel more tangible in person," says Mckenzie Sharp, fourth-year Western student and digital marketing and eCommerce major. "Online is a great way to combat situations similar to COVID-19, but it restricts us from making as many memories as we can together."

The Libraries also offered several fall activities focused on re-engaging students with their campus community. 

Sara Volmering, marketing manager, noted that planning activities during orientation and fall welcome are critical for helping students acclimate to campus. 

"It's so important to engage students as soon as they arrive in the fall," says Volmering. "After COVID, all students needed a refresher about what's available on campus and how they can engage as part of a campus community."

Welcome tables, open houses and a succulent planting party were just a few activities students flocked to this fall.

"The succulents were a hit," says Volmering. "We wanted to give returning and new students something to make their dorms and apartments homey and calm. Students loved making planters for their new 'roommate.'"

"For first-year and transfer students, the fall semester is a period of rapid learning in a new environment. Showcasing what we do and building a connection gives students support from day one. They know we get them, and we're here for them," Volmering says.

Creative programming to build community

The Libraries initiated new programs to help students get acquainted with the libraries and each other, focusing on well-being and community building.

"Our priority is academics, but we can't ignore the other needs of students. We need to be more holistic to address the student experience," says Kate Langan, engagement librarian. 

In 2022, Langan facilitated over 29 sessions with 578 first-year students through the First-Year Experience program. The sessions allowed students to explore the library and complete a scavenger hunt with a team of peers. According to Langan, students were eager to meet new people outside their regular classes based on feedback from the FYE sessions.

"They loved working together," says Langan. "They also loved the opportunity to expand their peer base and meet new people." 

Creating space for community and engaging students in activities to support their academic and social experience was essential for Langan's programming. 

After looking at student feedback, Langan noted that building community and social groups were very important to students. In response, she created and rolled out a library study community in fall 2022, looking to develop an opportunity for "the social side of studying."

The response was overwhelming. 

"What I learned immediately was that we hit a nerve. We found a niche need on campus. I was going to be happy with 25 students. Two hundred thirty-eight signed up for it," recalls Langan.

One of the reasons for the popular response may be the Libraries' unique role with students.

"We are at the heart of campus where teaching and learning collide. Why can't we be the social and emotional center of campus as well? Why can't we develop a program that helps them feel more confident and connected to each other and a stronger sense of community?"

Langan is currently iterating on the study communities for spring 2023, bringing new features to increase participation and interest.

"Students come to us. We are not intimidating. They come to us because they need help, and we help them. We don't assign grades or do any sort of evaluation. We're a safe place for them," says Langan. "We're a residential campus. The Libraries add to that community experience."