A Team Approach: Libraries & Athletics Develop the Information-Savvy Freshman Athlete
Abstract
The University of Kansas (KU) Libraries and Athletics partnered to address the needs of incoming freshmen athletes. In support of student-athletes arriving on campus as part of the NCAA Bridge program, the Libraries had an unprecedented opportunity to create and deliver a course, LA&S 292: Research Methods and Information Literacy.
Description
To encourage better academic preparedness, and to facilitate the academic transition to university life, the University of Kansas (KU) Libraries and Athletics teamed up to address the unique needs of incoming freshmen athletes. With the understanding that athletes are a special population on campus, a librarian was assigned as liaison to the Athletic department and started conversations with Student Athletic Support Services (SASS). In late 2006, a renewed collaboration was firmly established between the KU Libraries and Athletics and the timing was perfect. To support and address the needs of the freshmen student-athletes arriving on campus as part of the relatively new NCAA Bridge program, KU Athletics found a willing partner in the Libraries and a unique window of opportunity to influence the academic behavior of student-athletes. Together, a new program for Bridge athletes was created, Jump, and the Libraries were given an unprecedented opportunity to create and deliver a one-credit course, LA&S 292: Research Methods and Information Literacy to these athletes. As a pilot project, nearly every Bridge athlete participated in daily Jump workshops and weekly LA&S 292 classes. The overall goal of this program was to acclimate students to campus life and to give a general introduction to academic research. The Jump workshops are delivered by SASS staff and guest speakers, and focus on developing student-athlete comfort, confidence, familiarity, and respect for University life. Topics included effective e-mail communication, using student-athlete support services, familiarization with Blackboard, and the role of the sports psychologist. LA&S 292: Research Methods and Information Literacy provides students with a foundation in understanding information concepts that affect their ability to communicate as student scholars conducting university-level research within the academic world. The major components of this course teach students the concepts of information and how to identify, find, evaluate, analyze, and use information effectively. With the support of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the LA&S 292 course was approved quickly enough to be offered in summer 2007. Both the Libraries and the Athletic department demonstrated a willingness to experiment and change the usual routine of offerings, as there was a mutual recognition from both sides that more meaningful preparation for these student-athletes was essential to their success. This endeavor was an innovative approach to reaching freshmen student athletes. Many existing collaborations between libraries and athletic departments focus on the tutors or tutoring program, one-shot orientations, or fund development initiatives. Creating a formal, sustainable, and dynamic program that holistically addresses the needs of the freshman athlete, and utilizing the unique situation that the Bridge program allows, is unlike other collaborations. Additionally, attendees will find this compelling because of the immense amount of cooperation, support, and experimentation that the Athletic department was willing to provide. On some campuses, the Athletic department can appear intimidating and it can take a lot of effort to build a relationship. Attendees will see that KU Athletics puts its student-athletes ahead of all other campus or organizational politics to ensure an excellent academic learning experience and environment.
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