If you’re thinking of ways to expand library resources to different populations and communities on campus, but aren’t sure where to start, the ACRL Instruction Section has a new offering that can help. Their Instruction for Diverse Populations Committee recently updated and released the Multilingual Glossary for Today’s Library Users.

Over 10,000 folks attended last month’s ALA Annual Conference. From former First Lady Michelle Obama to Presidential Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, there were many exciting talks and programs promoting literacy, research, and community engagement. Here are a few sessions that really stood out to me as an academic librarian.

By Meggan Houlihan and Raymond Pun 

In this interview, FYE Correspondent Ray Pun interviews Meggan Houlihan from New York University Abu Dhabi Library. Meggan shares her experiences in coordinating library instruction, the personal librarian program, and student engagement activities on campus. She also emphasizes that “it takes a community to support FY students, and libraries play a central role in that community.”

By Laurie Bridges and Raymond Pun

Among the most effective ways to improve student retention and success is the promotion of diversity and global learning services. To increase students’ multicultural awareness and develop their sense of belonging within the community, this high-impact practice (HIP) can be integrated into library services. In this interview with FYE Correspondent Raymond Pun, Laurie Bridges, an Instruction and Outreach Librarian at Oregon State University Libraries shares her thoughts and activities in supporting international programs for students on campus and abroad. 

By Rob Snyder and Raymond Pun

In this interview, FYE Correspondent Ray Pun interviews Rob Snyder from Bowling Green State University Libraries (BGSU). Rob discusses his role in supporting the FYE on campus, and his upcoming plans to expand partnerships and support in academic and student affairs programs.

By Katelyn Angell and Raymond Pun

In this week’s interview, FYE correspondent Raymond Pun speaks with first year success librarian Katelyn (Kate) Angell from Long Island University’s (LIU) Brooklyn Campus Library. She shares her experiences in designing collaborative programs including contests, common reads, and public programs.

By Marie R. Kennedy, Cheryl LaGuardia, and Raymond Pun

FYE Correspondent Raymond Pun recently interviewed Marie R. Kennedy and Cheryl LaGuardia, co-authors of Marketing Your Library’s Electronic Resources: A How-To-Do-It Manual For Librarians (Second Edition). They shared their thoughts and marketing strategies for promoting e-resources to students, particularly those in the FYE.

By Lindsay Davis and Raymond Pun

Undergraduate research is recognized as a high-impact practice (HIP). In this interview with FYE Correspondent Raymond Pun, Lindsay Davis, Instruction and Outreach Librarian at UC Merced Library, shares her perspective on the experience of setting up the undergraduate research awards at her institution.

By Orlando Leon and Raymond Pun

Hackathons support high-impact practices (HIP) through student engagement with innovative research and collaboration. In this interview, FYE Correspondent Raymond Pun talks with Orlando Leon, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Fresno State about Leon’s experiences and thoughts on hackathons, and delves into the important skills students gain from organizing and participating in such events.

By Paschalia Terzi, Joseph Yap, and Raymond Pun

FYE correspondent Raymond Pun recently interviewed librarians from Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan to talk about how they reach out to first year students. Introducing students to the "Western" style academic library is a big transition for some, along with the more universal transitions students face when arriving on campus. Their conversation touches on the challenges of building an institution-wide information literacy program, as well as collaborative efforts with various offices and departments.