(via Brian Gray, Case Western Reserve University)
Proposals are now being accepted for the 3rd National Personal Librarian & First Year Experience Library Conference, a 2-day event focused on all aspects of the first year experience and the personalization of outreach and services for incoming students. The conference will be hosted by Kelvin Smith Library at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio) on March 21-22, 2018. It will focus on starting library initiatives to support first year students, assessing outcomes of services and resources, and building the collaborative relationships throughout the organization to prepare a holistic approach to student success and retention. More information is available here.
The two days will feature keynotes, panel discussions, and lightning talks, surrounded by a number of concurrent sessions organized around proposed tracks of interest. Participants are welcomed from all types of organizations and levels of staffing. Programming will be offered to improve established programs or prepare for a new initiative.
We are accepting proposals for concurrent sessions organized by tracks, panel discussions, lightning presentations, and poster presentations. We welcome all proposals for consideration, but are particularly interested in sessions that consider any of the following topics.
- how to measure impact & success; assessment methods
- relationship building (internal and external to the library)
- the “future” and next generation programs
- focus on international students
- focus on underserved communities or at risk communities
- transition to second-year support
- strategic ways for engagement and increased participation with FYE Students
Other topics may include the following.
- “personal librarian” services such as direct interactions, custom experiences, etc.
- starting new programs or initiatives
- views and goals of campus administrators
- student stories and testimonies
- staffing models
- overall role within a larger information literacy instruction program
- events, programs, orientations, etc.
- challenges and concerns
- marketing and communication
- diversity issues and approaches
- developing relationship with parents
Submissions will be evaluated based on the relevance of the topic and potential to advance the thinking about personal librarian programs and first-year experiences. Acceptance will be competitive and conducted by a conference committee consisting of Kelvin Smith Library employees and virtual committee members from several university libraries involved in personal librarian and/or FYE programs. Registration costs will be the responsibility of each attendee and presenter, and will not be covered by the conference organizers.
Proposals are due by Friday, October 6. Please use this web form. You may direct any questions to Brian Gray, at bcg8@case.edu.