Library open house.

Penn State Libraries have instituted an annual Open House for new and first year students that engages the entire Libraries staff at University Park. The goal is to eliminate library anxiety, a documented syndrome, and demonstrate that the Libraries and their employees are friendly, welcoming, and willing to help. Each year is a theme; this year it was Pirates (students loved it). Over two days, 5,000 students completed a treasure map that moved them around the building where they met staff, played games (a puzzle involving Special Collections' exhibitions was especially popular), got freebies, etc. Student assessment, which is done via a computer survey before they leave, rates it at 93% satisfaction--the most positive feedback of anything that we do. Some come back several times. This is an exhausting but worthwhile venture. Staff love getting dressed up, too!

Goals:

• Eliminate library anxiety.

• Orient students to major services.

• Build cohesion among our own staff in serving undergrads.

Assessment:

Computer survey which nearly every students completes. 93% satisfaction or higher rate. Survey results consistent over several years, and provides ideas for improvements. Students like completing the survey--and someone wins a prize, e.g., iPod.

Video tutorials provide insight into information cycle.

We have created a series of specialized tutorials. The Information cycle, which traces how a topic moves from news into the research domain, has been very popular. Some of the tutorials are used in teaching, e.g., company information and patents. A new tutorial on evidence-based nursing is very popular.
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/instruction/tutorials.htm

Goals / Assessment:

NA

Subject guides integrated into course management system.

Integrated online subject/library guides into nearly all courses offered by the Angel, the University's course management system. These guides are an integral part of the system, and most were not requested by faculty--we were proactive in providing them. Also have links to reserve materials. We also provide specialized/customized guides at request of faculty members.

Goals / Assessment:

NA

Facebook links to library resources.

We have created a Facebook application that provides access to online catalog and other resources (still in development). Development work done by a "hot team" created with the Libraries and computing personnel. Promoted during our annual Fall Open House for new students; over 1000 students integrated the widget into their Facebook account.

Goals / Assessment:

NA