For York University librarians, student success is personal.
This year, for the first time, all incoming first-year undergraduate students will be paired with a librarian as part of the Personal Librarian program running at York University Libraries (YUL).
Launched in 2014 as a pilot project, the program is one of several student success services offered through the libraries.
Starting this week, and continuing through the fall and winter terms, first-year students will receive timely, targeted messages from their personal librarian. Each message will be tailored to the academic calendar and offer point-of-need tips and suggestions, with such topics as academic literacies, understanding assignments, and taking notes and studying.
As well, the program strives as much as possible to match students with a subject specialist in their declared major.
“We know that the transition for first-year students can be overwhelming,” says Mark Robertson, associate University librarian. “Such things as finding your way around library resources or tackling your first paper can be a real hurdle for students new to the University. The purpose of the Personal Librarian program is to give our new students a personal connection to help break through some of the anonymity students sometimes feel.”
The Personal Librarian program works to alleviate the stress by helping first-year undergraduate students develop the skills to succeed while engaging with library, faculty and staff who can serve as important partners in academic achievement. For more, visit http://personal.library.yorku.ca.
This innovative program is designed to expose students to the myriad resources and support services offered by the libraries, which will also be showcased at an open house event on Sept. 29.
First-year students are invited to drop by the Scott Library Atrium (second floor) on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 11:30am to 1:30pm for the Discover YUL Open House, where they will have the opportunity to meet their personal librarian in the ‘PL Lounge’.
Students will also have a chance to mix and mingle, discover what the libraries have to offer, and ask any questions they may have about the libraries. Library branches and departments will be on hand to showcase what they do, and a few will offer satellite events designed to encourage students to explore other library locations and services.
For more, visit the YUL website at http://www.library.yorku.ca/web.