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The finals stretch: exams week library outreach surveyed

Coleen Meyers-Martin (California State University, Northridge, California, USA)
Laurie Borchard (California State University, Northridge, California, USA)

Reference Services Review

ISSN: 0090-7324

Article publication date: 9 November 2015

1678

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the outreach programming and support services offered at academic libraries during final exams week. The article discusses the need to provide this specialized programming, and its impact on the role of the librarian, and the use of library space.

Design/methodology/approach

A 21-question online survey was sent to nine library listservs. Respondents were asked about their library’s planning, implementation and assessment of their programming. Participants described their library’s final exams week outreach activities and offerings.

Findings

The survey garnered 279 responses. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents collaborate with campus and non-campus partners to provide programming. Most common offerings include extended library hours; therapy animals; as well as games; and arts and crafts. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents reported utilizing virtual media outlets for communication of final exams week events. Most common challenges included lack of funding and staffing issues.

Practical implications

The survey results reflect the efforts of librarians and library staff members who are addressing the study break needs of students during the most stressful time in the semester.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of academic library final exams week outreach initiatives and activities at institutions located in the USA and Canada.

Keywords

Citation

Meyers-Martin, C. and Borchard, L. (2015), "The finals stretch: exams week library outreach surveyed", Reference Services Review, Vol. 43 No. 4, pp. 510-532. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-03-2015-0019

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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