Librarians as matchmakers: connecting seniors in their Capstone semester

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe a collaborative matchmaking seminar that expands the role of academic librarians, and provides services with special benefit to first generation college students.

Design/methodology/approach

The conditions and rationale for the service, as well as the design and delivery components, are described.

Findings

First generation college students are challenged by gaps in their heuristic knowledge of “how” a capstone senior semester project works. Librarians are ideally positioned to collaborate with faculty to meet the information needs of these students.

Practical implications

This case study documents a successful approach to enlarging the role of librarians in contributing to student success.

Originality/value

Recounts a number of unmet needs at a university with heavy attendance by first generation college students that presented librarians with an opportunity for a natural and logical expansion of their roles as partners with faculty in student achievement.

Citation

Yee, J.G. (2007), "Librarians as matchmakers: connecting seniors in their Capstone semester", Reference Services Review, Vol. 35 No. 2, pp. 257-264. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320710749173