TY - JOUR
T1 - Study Abroad Programs
T2 - A Golden Opportunity for Academic Library Engagement
AU - Denda, Kayo
N1 - Funding Information:
This study presents results of an outreach initiative to explore new opportunities for the Rutgers University Libraries in collaboration with Rutgers Study Abroad. We conducted the study so we could illustrate the way Rutgers and other ARL institutions are supporting study abroad programs, as represented on their webpages. Our findings lead us to suggest new services and policies for academic libraries so they can collaborate more ambitiously with study abroad programs in conjunction with other campus partners. Our goal is to foster a new generation capable of functioning in a global and complex world, as well as to engage libraries more strategically in the internationalization of higher education. In order to achieve these goals, we recommend that libraries take action in four arenas. 1. Universities and their libraries need to develop and articulate clear policies for extending library privileges to participants in study abroad programs, including resident directors and others hired to teach in study abroad programs who make significant contributions to the internationalization of the university. Academic libraries need to list these privileges on their webpages, with clear links to “resident director” or “study abroad program” pages. As with faculty and instructors on campus, library access is essential to support the teaching of undergraduate students wherever their academic work and intellectual journeys reside. Specifically, the library must ensure that all remote access privileges covered by current licensing agreements are available to program participants. 2. Academic libraries should extend their institutional repository services to undergraduate students. A repository of study abroad program-related content, such as interactive maps plotted with their research papers, data collected, presentations, photos and their reflective essays, could redefine individual experiences, as well as facilitate new connections among students and bring together communities such as alumni groups around the world. 3. Academic libraries should connect to their institution's study abroad programs by assigning a specific liaison to this user group who will translate intent to action. The liaison can serve as the first point of contact for students, administrators and faculty involved with study abroad programs, routinely exploring additional avenues for mutual benefit and new initiatives. Most importantly, the liaison should have responsibility for regularly reviewing and updating research guides and current policies for study abroad, keeping abreast of the community's ongoing needs and aspirations. 4. Academic libraries must find active ways to engage with faculty and students, such as those involved with study abroad. As institutions of higher education evolve in their commitment to comprehensive internationalization, their libraries must integrate these perspectives to remain an essential partner in this paradigm change. Emerging academic programs such as study abroad can take advantage of innovative applications of new media technologies when academic libraries work closely with them on a range of strategic partnerships on and off campus. If they are to fulfill their mission in the information age, academic libraries must foster robust relationships with university initiatives such as study abroad. Engagement with these programs builds the capacity of academic libraries to transform students' lives, build leadership skills and expand their opportunities to work comfortably across national boundaries as a member of a global society. Such strategies also demonstrate the added value that academic libraries contribute to their host institutions — value that enables them to face the future with confidence. This project was supported though the Rutgers University Research Council grant, 2010–2011. I thank my colleague Myoung C. Wilson for her generous contribution.
PY - 2013/3
Y1 - 2013/3
N2 - Study abroad programs in higher education increasingly play a major role in training students for global citizenship. This case study, conducted in a large research university in the United States, identifies the information needs of students and faculty in study abroad programs. Of particular interest is how awareness of library resources and services enrich students' study abroad experiences. This essay also looks at study abroad in terms of engagement, where the libraries could join with study abroad programs and develop a common vision.
AB - Study abroad programs in higher education increasingly play a major role in training students for global citizenship. This case study, conducted in a large research university in the United States, identifies the information needs of students and faculty in study abroad programs. Of particular interest is how awareness of library resources and services enrich students' study abroad experiences. This essay also looks at study abroad in terms of engagement, where the libraries could join with study abroad programs and develop a common vision.
KW - Academic library engagement
KW - Internationalization
KW - Liaison
KW - Study abroad programs
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84876072794&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84876072794&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.acalib.2012.08.008
DO - 10.1016/j.acalib.2012.08.008
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84876072794
SN - 0099-1333
VL - 39
SP - 155
EP - 160
JO - Journal of Academic Librarianship
JF - Journal of Academic Librarianship
IS - 2
ER -