A roadshow of library resources: familiarize students with what you have

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the popular culture of flash mob inspired the creation of the library roadshows and elaborate on the conducting of flash outreach events to market music databases to students with limited resources.

Design/methodology/approach

By not requesting faculty for in-class teaching time, the promotion of library e-resources took place beyond the library building, in places where students live and hangout, and during the short window when students mingle before classes. Simple set-up with laptops and a movable large screen TV was used for brief database demonstration.

Findings

The provision of quick demos and on-the-go consultations of e-resources through the library roadshows proved to encourage usage and obtain a higher return on investment without requiring much extra manpower and funding. Students also welcomed this new way of learning without having to go to a class.

Social implications

Seeing students and offering services where students live and hangout help make the library more visible and blend librarians in students’ campus life.

Originality/value

While information literacy workshops oftentimes happen inside the library or during a class hour, the library roadshows go beyond physical boundaries and take information literacy instruction to where the targeted audience is. Not only are these flash outreach events quick and easy to conduct, but this casual learning also fits the learning behavior of the millennial generation who wants everything succinct and straight to the point.

Citation

Lai, K. (2015), "A roadshow of library resources: familiarize students with what you have", Reference Services Review, Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 280-291. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-11-2014-0053