Word cloud created using Wordle, available from: http://www.wordle.net

Ethnicity and Study Skills: active intervention in the library

setting

Suzanne White and Lisa Lawrence

Subject Librarians

the ProjectRoving Study Support Assistants

Key featureProvide directional peer support to new

students in the Library environment – not course/academic department specific

the Library

• Impact Assessment Factors

• a central enquiry point for new students

• good at attracting a diverse student population

the Survey“more staff”

“could employ more library assistants to help new students”

“more one-to-one academic writing support”

the Brief

The RSSAs spent their time roving in the Lanchester

Library supporting students on a one-to-one basis.

They offered first line study support, including assisting

with information and IT enquiries and providing

general support for student learning.

They made referrals to specialist staff where appropriate

the Successes

Bridging gap between library, academic departments, Centre for Academic Writing, ITServices, Students Union…

RSSAs: more approachable than library staffgood ideas / suggestionsbroad and cohesive knowledge

Reception from existing library staff

the Challenges

• Timescale of project

• University/Library processes

• Supervision of RSSAs

• RSSAs striking the balance between paid work and academic work

the RSSAs’ Perspective

• Impact on new students

• Personal Development

• Recommendations for the future

Developments since the project

RSSAs now embedded Library serviceRSSAs’ promotional roleDiversity Action Plan

Questions?