University Libraries
Libraries Welcome Flyer Promise Scholars for Explore-your-Library Challenge
By Amanda Black
Their challenge: exploring all seven floors of the library and drawing their perceptions of the library spaces. With this guided exploration, the library wanted to engage the students in an active-learning preview of the services and resources offered to them. The activity encouraged them to become familiar with the library’s study spaces, special collections, writing/research help and other entities that interest them.
When students arrived at the library, they were assigned to small groups and given a set of colored pencils and a sketch packet with questions about each floor. Instead of writing out the answers, they were asked to draw their perceptions of the answers on a map of each floor. When the exploration was over, the groups convened in the library’s Knowledge Hub, where they drew what they discovered on poster-size floor maps. While in groups students got to draw their own viewpoints. Getting to know their spaces, students said they were intrigued by the library. In the survey, one scholar stated, “Probably one of the best libraries I have ever seen. It completely shattered my expectations.”
Another popular item the students appreciated is the microwave located on the 2nd floor. “GREAT! Keep the microwave.”
The scholars also thoroughly enjoyed another activity: As a keepsake, they made buttons and magnets with the library’s button maker, which they learned was available for checkout.
Roesch Library was one of many areas the scholars visited during the weeklong orientation program, which included faculty and staff interaction, peer mentoring, and introductions to campus resources and organizations that support student involvement and academic success.
The activity reflects the University Libraries’ strategic commitment to diversity and advancing of student learning.
More about the Flyer Promise scholars program
The University of Dayton’s Flyer Promise scholars program is to designed to help high- achieving underrepresented students reach their full potential. Honorees receive scholarships as well as access to support and other resources at UD, and the University benefits from having this talented group of diverse students bringing their perspectives, skills and abilities to campus.
- Amanda Black, coordinator of access services
