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Much Ado About CommunicationCollaboration between research and writing services in libraries
Jess Bellemer and Steph Teasley
Services at Hood Library
0 Writing center as a library service
0 Services breakdown0 Writing - Steph0 Research - Jess
0 Serving the Hood Theological Seminary community0 200 FTE0 Masters and doctoral students only0 Student needs
Research and Writing Appointments
0 We accept walk-ins but prefer students to make appointments. Appointments streamline our process
0 We use Setmore for appointments 0 http://hoodwritingcenter.setmore.com/
0 Both research and writing services listed together
Evaluating Student Need
0 Many of our students don’t see the line between research and writing so evaluation is key
0 Questions to get them the correct assistance0 What are you working on today?
0 What have you done so far?
0 What would you like to accomplish in the next 50 minutes?
Open Communication
0 It is the key!
0 Regularly discuss student progress
0 Design game plans for working with specific students addressing their specific needs
Joint Appointments
0 When necessary, we hold appointments together
0 We let the student talk about the project and evaluate the necessary steps together
0 Usually, following appointments will be individual
Challenges
Misunderstanding Services
Problem: Students don’t always understand the difference between writing and research services.
Solutions: Publicity, flexibility, communicating with them and the faculty
Student Expectations
Challenge: Some students expect if they come to us, they will get an A automatically.
Solution: Get students to focus on skill-building, rather than magic fixes.
Faculty Referrals
Challenge: The language faculty use to refer students to us can be vague and confusing.
i.e. “Have the writing center look over your paper.”
Solution: Provide faculty with information on language that will be informative to the student and to us. i.e. “You need a more narrow thesis statement.”
Distance
Challenge: 90% of our students commute. Many are hesitant to drive in for research and writing appointments.
Solution: Focus on providing quality services to students via the phone and email.
Practical Applications
Collaborate on Information Literacy and Appointments
0 Meet with a writing instructor to get suggestions on incorporating writing skills in information literacy
0 Don’t be afraid to have a joint appointment!
Create Publicity Together
0 Publicize writing and research services in the same space.
0 Advertise joint events with the benefits of getting writing and research support
Communication!
0 Be aware of each other!
0 Discuss common problems and how you’re addressing those
