PB(L) & Student Workers: Or, How we Harnessed the Power of Students to Promote Progress and Try New Things

Abstract

By utilizing a project-based learning (PBL) technique with our student workers, our library has improved the organization, presentation, and management of our collection, while also exploring new ways to promote our collections and services. The first step required assessing what problems and/or issues we encountered in the library, followed by assessing student workers' strengths and weaknesses. After this, the Access Services staff spoke with student workers about their interests (major, career goals, etc.) to find a parallel to the work that needed to be done in the library. Fortunately there were many overlaps and we were able to pilot the program with five student workers in the fall/spring semesters. What followed was an increase in attendance of PBL student workers, improved library functions, and a more meaningful work-study opportunity on our campus.