Connecting the Libraries and Athletics through Instruction and Outreach

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Higher Education Administration
• Sports Management

Background:

• Academic libraries traditionally support university programs.
• Extending library services to non-academic departments like athletics presents unique challenges and opportunities.
• James Madison University (JMU) Libraries & Educational Technologies (LET) sought to broaden its campus reach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the methods used by JMU LET to provide library support to university athletics.
• To demonstrate the adaptability of existing outreach models to new university sectors.
• To foster a stronger connection between library services and athletic departments.

Main Methods:

• Adapted outreach models used for academic programs.
• Initially targeted the Strength & Conditioning Department, then expanded to JMU Athletics.
• Delivered targeted instructional sessions, orientations, and asynchronous learning modules.
• Integrated resources within the university's learning management system.

Main Results:

• Successfully extended library support services to JMU Athletics.
• Established a new collaborative relationship between LET and the athletics department.
• Increased the visibility and presence of LET across the university campus.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of adapted outreach strategies.

Conclusions:

• Library outreach models can be successfully adapted to support university athletics.
• Collaborative relationships enhance library services and campus integration.
• Proactive engagement with non-academic departments strengthens the library's role in the university.
• This initiative expanded the scope of library and educational technology services.