Reimagining peer support and engagement
ISSN: 0090-7324
Article publication date: 16 February 2023
Issue publication date: 9 June 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents a case study for the pilot of a peer-led service model that is centered on fostering student leadership, collaboration and advocacy. The authors, who serve as advisors to the program, discuss the Library's transition to this peer-led model for reference support, outreach, programming and campus engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study examines the development and implementation of a new peer-led service at a mid-size public university aimed at centering student success, belonging and empowerment. Authors share practices, strategies and goals for training, onboarding and professional development with emphasis on student advocacy, leadership and retention in the program.
Findings
The authors found that developing the structures and opportunities to foster student-led initiatives and efforts for student success, belonging and engagement has helped the library better connect and engage with diverse student communities on campus.
Research limitations/implications
Findings of this study may be limited at the time this case study is written due to it being a new and developing library student program for reference, outreach and programming.
Practical implications
The peer-led service model for reference and student engagement presented in this article serves as a case study that may be applicable for those who wish to imagine and develop a student-centered library program at their institution.
Social implications
This case study may provide an alternative approach useful to those who wish to reimagine and innovate library student programs at their institutions.
Originality/value
Although there are many peer-led initiatives in academic libraries for outreach and programming, this program explores the approach of fostering student leadership and advocacy within library student roles to lead and facilitate library efforts for campus engagement with structured guidance and support from librarian advisors.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the current and past Library Student Ambassadors and library faculty colleagues who have supported this program as back-up librarians additional to other support. Additionally, the authors would like to show appreciate to their campus partners, including students, faculty, staff, counselors and advisors, who have engaged, collaborated and supported the work of the Library Ambassador team.
Funding: The authors did not receive any funding for this publication.
Citation
Pham, K. and Muralles, D. (2023), "Reimagining peer support and engagement", Reference Services Review, Vol. 51 No. 2, pp. 105-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-09-2022-0050
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited