Concurrent 3 Lightning Talk: Library Power Hour: Promoting Peer Engagement and Research Support for Graduate Students During Virtual Study Halls
Session Format
In-person Lightning Talk
Proposal Synopsis
The goal of this presentation is to share a model for teaming up with other academic departments to host virtual study halls. The Library joined a university-wide initiative to offer Power Hour sessions in collaboration with other academic departments, including the Academic Success Center and the Center for Teaching and Learning, in April 2021. Power Hours are live, two-hour study sessions, or virtual study halls, facilitated through Zoom conferencing software. Librarians are available throughout the two-hour block to provide support, guidance, and accountability for completing course assignments or research. Participants can choose to stay for the entire period, drop-in for a short time to have their individual questions answered, or work quietly in the background. Since offering Library Power Hour sessions, library staff have served as accountability partners and assisted more than 120 students with questions on navigating library databases; using research management tools like RefWorks; researching theoretical and conceptual frameworks for dissertations; and reviewing search techniques for narrowing or broadening results. Power Hour sessions have also served as a springboard for connecting students to other academic services and resources, including individual coaching sessions for dissertation writing and research consultations for in-depth support with a librarian. Power Hour sessions offer students the opportunity to connect with their peers. Students have engaged with others throughout these sessions, and this safe space has led to lively discussions surrounding their academic progress and professional experiences. The availability of this service has showcased how opportunities for connection with academic staff, students and their peers can positively impact the student experience. This model further appeals to visual and social learners providing them with screen sharing alternatives. Future considerations for marketing virtual study halls for increased attendance and engagement are explored, including inserting Power Hour promotion during routine chats, emails, and phone calls.
Location
WALC 1132
Start Date
27-7-2022 2:00 PM
End Date
27-7-2022 2:50 PM
Concurrent 3 Lightning Talk: Library Power Hour: Promoting Peer Engagement and Research Support for Graduate Students During Virtual Study Halls
WALC 1132