A cross-disciplinary team at the Libraries recently published a report titled “Library Impact Research Report: Distinct Academic Learning Communities at Syracuse University Libraries” as part of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Research Library Impact Framework initiative. The team consisted of Stephanie JH McReynolds, librarian for business, management and entrepreneurship; Peter Verheyen, librarian, research and emerging issues analyst; Terriruth Carrier, executive director of operational excellence; and Scott Warren, associate dean for research excellence.
Students working in the Blackstone LaunchPad at Syracuse University Libraries.
The team explored the impact of embedding three “distinct academic learning communities” within Bird Library, the Blackstone LaunchPad, the Center for Learning and Student Success and the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement. Results point to the value of the library as a central and interdisciplinary academic space for the communities, one that helps break down disciplinary borders by allowing community participants to more easily meet and collaborate with students from other schools and colleges. The impact of these learning communities in the Libraries was explored from multiple perspectives, including community directors, community participants, the Libraries’ dean and staff.
A full copy of the report is available online.
About Syracuse University Libraries:
Syracuse University Libraries provides expertise, information, and tools for students, faculty and staff, alumni, and the community. With over 4.8 million volumes of resources accessed by millions of physical and online visits annually, the Libraries provides information services, responsive collections, knowledgeable staff, and safe and accessible physical and digital spaces that encourage intellectual exploration. In so doing, the Libraries enable the creation of new knowledge, catalyze scholarly collaboration and cultural exchange, and advance Syracuse University’s teaching, learning and research mission.
