Reaching a Multicultural Student Community - (Libraries Unlimited Library Management Collection) (Hardcover)

About the Book

Changing student demographics demand that colleges and universities meet the special needs of a new population, and libraries will play an increasingly important role in facing these challenges of the future. This professional reference is intended for academic librarians interested in establishing peer outreach programs for minority students. The volume includes an overview of the unique challenges facing academic institutions and libraries today in serving a diverse student population, suggestions on working effectively in the current academic environment, and practical guidelines for specific program design, implementation, and evaluation. Topics considered include performing a community analysis, the politics of program development, budgeting, personnel management, and program evaluation. Model program materials are included to assist librarians in establishing similar programs, and a bibliography provides a list of additional information sources.

Book Synopsis

Changing student demographics demand that colleges and universities meet the special needs of a new population, and libraries will play an increasingly important role in facing these challenges of the future. This professional reference is intended for academic librarians interested in establishing peer outreach programs for minority students. The volume includes an overview of the unique challenges facing academic institutions and libraries today in serving a diverse student population, suggestions on working effectively in the current academic environment, and practical guidelines for specific program design, implementation, and evaluation. Topics considered include performing a community analysis, the politics of program development, budgeting, personnel management, and program evaluation. Model program materials are included to assist librarians in establishing similar programs, and a bibliography provides a list of additional information sources.

Review Quotes

.,."describes a specific library-based program that relies on a peer information counseling service in which successful minority students help other minority students learn information handling and microcomputer skills. The authors describe in considerable detail all of the steps that are needed to develop, implement, and evaluate such a program. ...much of what they have to say is more broadly applicable to a range of programs that might provide improved services to a multicultural student body."-Wilson Library Bulletin

?...describes a specific library-based program that relies on a peer information counseling service in which successful minority students help other minority students learn information handling and microcomputer skills. The authors describe in considerable detail all of the steps that are needed to develop, implement, and evaluate such a program. ...much of what they have to say is more broadly applicable to a range of programs that might provide improved services to a multicultural student body.?-Wilson Library Bulletin

..."describes a specific library-based program that relies on a peer information counseling service in which successful minority students help other minority students learn information handling and microcomputer skills. The authors describe in considerable detail all of the steps that are needed to develop, implement, and evaluate such a program. ...much of what they have to say is more broadly applicable to a range of programs that might provide improved services to a multicultural student body."-Wilson Library Bulletin

About the Author

KAREN E. DOWNING is Associate Librarian and Coordinator of Academic Outreach Services at the University of Michigan Undergraduate Library.

BARBARA MacADAM is Head of the Undergraduate Library at the Univerity of Michigan. She has published in journals such as College and Research Libraries, The Reference Librarian, and the Journal of Academic Librarianship.

DARLENE P. NICHOLS is Associate Librarian at the Univerity of Michigan Undergraduate Library. Her publications include articles on Peer Information Counseling in the Journal of Academic Librarianship.