The library and the academic resource center. Building and supporting programs, services and resources collaboratively at a new university
| Published date | 08 February 2016 |
| Date | 08 February 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-07-2015-0008 |
| Pages | 31-40 |
| Author | Raymond Pun |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology |
The library and the academic
resource center
Building and supporting programs, services
and resources collaboratively at a
new university
Raymond Pun
California State University, Fresno, California, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to explore the library’s on-going relationship with the academic resource
center (ARC), and how over the past two years, there have been new services and programs thriving as
a result of this collaboration. The paper presents three case studies that demonstrate the library’s
collaboration with the ARC and assesses the opportunities and challenges in working with this
department in a new university.
Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this paper is to explore three case studies on how
the library collaborated with the ARC in supporting students. The case studies explore the
opportunities for partnerships in developing innovative services, programs and resources. Librarians
are integral members of the ARC and are embedded in this community by providing support to the
department as well.
Findings – The paper nds that collaborations between the library and the ARC are mutually
benecial: academic libraries may consider partnering with tutoring centers to create synergies in
enhancing the students’ research experience. However, not all collaborative projects or programs are
successful or repeatable in success. They are still opportunities to build and strengthen the relationship
between the library and the ARC.
Originality/value – This paper presents three case studies on how the library works closely with the
“Global Academic Fellows” (GAF) from the ARC. The GAFs work closely with faculty and librarians as
they teach, tutor and collaborate with different university departments to create programs or initiatives
that enrich the student experience and the university. Their roles have been instrumental in
collaborating with the library to create innovative programs, events and support services throughout
the two years since the university opened in 2013.
Keywords Collaboration, Academic libraries, Student engagement, Case studies,
Instructional services, Reference services
Paper type Case study
Introduction
Across universities in the USA, there is a rise of collaborations between different types
of institutions or departments that are leveraging and maximizing resources to support
the academic community. This is due to the fact that budgets and personnel resources
are getting smaller; the missions of these departments are similar and that there is a
growing need to create effective relationships to enhance workow and to increase the
presences of the partners involved. This is often a major benet as it demonstrates
teamwork, exibility and understanding of the university’s overall goal: to support
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2059-5816.htm
Library and
the academic
resource
center
31
Received 16 July 2015
Revised 1 September 2015
Accepted 1 September 2015
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.32 No. 1, 2016
pp.31-40
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-07-2015-0008
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