Conference Presentations

Understanding your international students’ expectations: Designing library collections and outreach for patrons from around the world

Co-presented 45 minute presentation at 2018 Virginia Library Association Conference September 27, 2018

  • Selected through peer review and crowd source to VA ACRL’s Conference within a Conference
  • View PowerPoint here: http://bit.ly/VLA2019

Abstract International students bring varied library experiences to their studies in the United States. After the library transitioned to the Library of Congress Classification System and built an accessible OPAC, students remained confused on how to locate and find materials on the shelf.  Could there be a gap between students’ prior library experiences, and how they perceived the Virginia International University library?  The librarians conducted an IRB approved survey and learned the only thing each student had in common was a print book collection. Classification systems, electronic collections, and online access were all very different from VIU’s library. To address these diverse backgrounds in print material organization, English comprehension, and electronic access, librarians employed a plan that included social media marketing, scaffolded instruction and dividing the collection into general and ESL categories.  This comprehensive strategy created more confidence in navigating library resources and an increase in library usage.

Building on Success: Expanding your social media campaign for more engagement

Poster session at Eleventh Annual Bridging the Spectrum Symposium

Abstract During Fall Semester 2016, The VIU Library used Facebook ads to reach patrons about its collections, facilities, and services. The successful campaign secured a regular marketing budget. The library expanded the weekly message using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Each social media conveyed a similar message, but engaged patrons differently.

View poster here: http://bit.ly/VLAsuccess

Marketing with Peanuts

  • Poster at 2017 Virginia Library Association Conference October 12, 2017
  • Presentation at 10th Annual Bridging the Spectrum Symposium February 2, 2018

Abstract Facebook advertising is an inexpensive way of reaching a large audience.  A library can promote many of its collections and services directly to students.  Facebook’s ability to reach age and gender demographics in a specific location makes newspaper, letters, email, or sign advertising obsolete.   In addition, the time to create and distribute an ad takes only a few minutes.  During Fall 2016, the Virginia International University (VIU) Library used Facebook advertising with a budget of $90. Over a nine-week period, The VIU Library advertised collections, facilities, services, and technologies available to our patrons reaching numbers equivalent to our student body while increasing visits and likes to our Facebook page.

Better Citations Please

  • Poster at 2016 Virginia Library Association Conference October 27, 2016
  • Poster at Ninth Annual CUA LIS Symposium February 3, 2017
  • View poster here: http://bit.ly/BCPVLA2016

Abstract RefME is a free software that allows the user to create citations through an application, a searchable database, a Web Clipper, or by using a template.  The VIU Library conducted a voluntary study on users’ perceptions and attitudes in creating citations with RefME. Furthermore, instructors of classes participating in the study were interviewed.  The conclusion from both students and instructors was that there was improvement in creating citations. Instructors noted improvement in quality of citations. Students expressed satisfaction with faster construction time, easiness to learn, and multiple methods for creating citations.  Three Schools at VIU have approved RefME for introductory courses starting in the winter 2017 semester.