Collaboration of Writing and Research Services in the Library
19
Much Ado About Communication Collaboration between research and writing services in libraries Jess Bellemer and Steph Teasley
Transcript of Collaboration of Writing and Research Services in the Library
Much Ado About CommunicationCollaboration between research and writing services in libraries
Jess Bellemer and Steph Teasley
Services at Hood Library
0 Writing center as a library service
0 Services breakdown0 Writing - Steph0 Research - Jess
0 Serving the Hood Theological Seminary community0 200 FTE0 Masters and doctoral students only0 Student needs
Research and Writing Appointments
0 We accept walk-ins but prefer students to make appointments. Appointments streamline our process
0 We use Setmore for appointments 0 http://hoodwritingcenter.setmore.com/
0 Both research and writing services listed together
Evaluating Student Need
0 Many of our students don’t see the line between research and writing so evaluation is key
0 Questions to get them the correct assistance0 What are you working on today?
0 What have you done so far?
0 What would you like to accomplish in the next 50 minutes?
Open Communication
0 It is the key!
0 Regularly discuss student progress
0 Design game plans for working with specific students addressing their specific needs
Joint Appointments
0 When necessary, we hold appointments together
0 We let the student talk about the project and evaluate the necessary steps together
0 Usually, following appointments will be individual
Challenges
Misunderstanding Services
Problem: Students don’t always understand the difference between writing and research services.
Solutions: Publicity, flexibility, communicating with them and the faculty
Student Expectations
Challenge: Some students expect if they come to us, they will get an A automatically.
Solution: Get students to focus on skill-building, rather than magic fixes.
Faculty Referrals
Challenge: The language faculty use to refer students to us can be vague and confusing.
i.e. “Have the writing center look over your paper.”
Solution: Provide faculty with information on language that will be informative to the student and to us. i.e. “You need a more narrow thesis statement.”
Distance
Challenge: 90% of our students commute. Many are hesitant to drive in for research and writing appointments.
Solution: Focus on providing quality services to students via the phone and email.
Practical Applications
Collaborate on Information Literacy and Appointments
0 Meet with a writing instructor to get suggestions on incorporating writing skills in information literacy
0 Don’t be afraid to have a joint appointment!
Create Publicity Together
0 Publicize writing and research services in the same space.
0 Advertise joint events with the benefits of getting writing and research support
Communication!
0 Be aware of each other!
0 Discuss common problems and how you’re addressing those
