"We've GOT to be Sillier": Approachability in Academic Libraries

Description:

We as a profession have worked hard to make libraries places “for all,” but our roles are inherently designed to filter information in ways that can intimidate patrons. The higher education ecosystem complicates librarians’ roles further, as we can be isolated from both students and other staff and faculty, while also trying to serve their needs. Focusing on increased approachability efforts, even in small steps, can combat the overarching pressures of higher education and increase student success.

This e-forum will introduce participants to the theory behind approachability efforts in our own librarianship practices and give them opportunities to practice applying these concepts to real-world-inspired scenarios, so that they feel empowered to advocate for applying approachability concepts in their own practice.

If your students' eyes glaze over when you teach, if no one is coming to your programs, if your professional identity is a performance that you are no longer enjoying…we’ve been there! Join us for an e-forum that will help you make your librarianship fun, again or for the first time, and help you feel less alone 🤩

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this e-Forum, attendees will be able to:

• Assess current library resources, spaces, and services to identify opportunities for improvement within realistic bounds;
• Practice applying approachability to real-world-inspired scenarios; and
• Develop skills to advocate for the necessity of active steps toward approachability.

Who Should Attend: Academic librarians who are invested in making libraries a more welcoming, silly, fun place.

Moderators:

Mary Elizabeth Schiavone (she/her) is a Student Success and Engagement Librarian and the Federal Depository Coordinator at Beloit College. Mary’s primary research focuses are increasing approachability in academic libraries and contextualizing government information. Mary is a co-host of the podcast Librarians Spill the Tea and loves exploring scholarly drama and research ethics. She spends her free time surrounded by her three dogs, webcomics, and increasingly ridiculous craft projects.

Tristan M.K. Draper (she/her) is a Student Success & Engagement Librarian at Beloit College and Chair of the Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians. Tristan’s research focuses on accessible instructional technology and gamifying library instruction. Tristan is a co-host of the podcast Librarians Spill the Tea, which discusses scholarly drama and research ethics. She spends her free time playing Dungeons & Dragons and board games, knitting an array of silly animals, and reading graphic novels.

Easton Brundage (he/they) is a Research & Learning Librarian and the liaison to STEM departments at Loyola University Chicago. Easton’s research interests include accessibility and inclusivity in librarianship, art in the sciences, and student success in STEM disciplines. He is currently working on a project to bring STEM zines into the library. In his free time, Easton loves trying new crafts, learning new animal facts, and reading gay books.

How to Participate:

e-Forums are two-day, moderated, electronic discussion forums that provide an opportunity for librarians and library professionals to discuss matters of interest on an email discussion list. These discussions are free and available to anyone who wishes to subscribe to the email list.

To participate, subscribe to the list by sending an email to [email protected]. Your message can be empty. Your request will be approved within 1-2 business days. You will receive a welcome email from groups.io with instructions on how to create a user account to manage your notification settings.

If you have question, need assistance, or would like to propose an e-Forum topic, please write to [email protected].