Development of the graduate library user education series

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the creation of a workshop series designed to help graduate students obtain the needed library research skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Using feedback from graduate students, a library user education series of workshops was developed and later revised. Significant effort was made to apply effective marketing strategies to enhance the programs' success.

Findings

Graduate students are eager for workshops that are focused on developing the needed library research skills.

Practical implications

When developing a workshop series, feedback from the intended audience enriches the program. Furthermore, repeated fine‐tuning of content and publicity improves the final product.

Originality/value

This paper describes an innovative approach to develop and implement a graduate‐focused library instruction workshop series. The creative use of marketing strategies to incorporate ongoing user feedback and advertise the availability of sessions can significantly enhance the efficacy of a workshop series.

Citation

Critz, L., Axford, M., Baer, W.M., Doty, C., Lowe, H. and Renfro, C. (2012), "Development of the graduate library user education series", Reference Services Review, Vol. 40 No. 4, pp. 530-542. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907321211277341