Planning Academic Library Orientations

Colleges and universities throughout the world plan library orientations for first years or specific audiences such as transfer or international students. These events can vary greatly in shape and form depending on the size, resources and staff of the institution, orientation schedule, and whether it is mandatory for students. Some institutions plan day-long events, elaborate games, or scavenger hunts; some offer drop in sessions or library tours; others offer an online orientation. Planning Academic Library Orientations gathers case studies from around the world covering a wide variety of approaches as a guide to those revamping or creating new library orientations.

Chapters are organized into the following thematic sections: Games; Marketing & Promotion; Partnerships; Targeting Specific Audiences; Technology; and Tours, and are cross-referenced if they touch on additional themes. Each chapter includes institutional information so readers can decide which type of orientation is appropriate for their own institution and see what resources are required.

• Gives guidance on best practices for academic library orientations
• Gathers examples from around the world to provide international perspective
• Empowers librarians to take aim at the anxiety felt by new and first year students
• Presents effective ways of introducing students to what a college/university library is, what it contains, and where to find information, while also showing how helpful librarians can be