Cheng Library Extends Outreach With Pop-up Services Pop-up libraries increase student engagement and promotion of library services. Keep an eye out for the Pop-up Library around campus. Access Services Librarian, Sarah Hughes, has been taking the David and Lorraine Cheng Library outside the traditional walls of the building to other areas on campus. Starting in the Fall 2018 semester, Sarah began to appear at University Hall with a Pop-up Library to engage with students, faculty, and staff. Pop-up libraries have become popular in recent years as a way to increase student engagement and promotion of library services. What started as an initiative to engage with WPU Nursing students at University Hall, slowly expanded to all students and faculty inside the lobby during common hour on select Thursdays. Equipped with a laptop, library handouts on citations styles and services, library pens and pencils, and of course some snacks, Sarah was able to bring more visibility to the library. The proactive approach raised student and faculty awareness of the many ways the Cheng Library can enrich experiences at WPU. The enhanced visibility included showcasing new library resources relevant to students in the health sciences such as BMJ Best Practice. Over the course of the fall semester, over 100 students and faculty were able to informally ask questions and get friendly, on-the-spot research assistance. Conversations with students ranged from how to locate subject-specific research guides to learning how to reserve a library group study room. Students were reminded about the chat reference service on the library homepage, upcoming library workshops and extended library hours during 24/7 final exam period. Faculty members were also encouraged to schedule a library instruction session with Cheng librarians to increase information literacy in the classroom. Pop-up Library at University Hall will continue in Spring 2019. Stop by on a Thursday to learn more about how to effectively use library resources and services! January 30, 2019
