Health Sciences Library Support of a University Common Reading Program: A Case Study.

Area of Science:

• Higher Education
• Student Affairs
• Academic Libraries

Background:

• Common reading programs are increasingly popular in universities to enhance student engagement, retention, and academic success.
• These programs aim to foster a sense of community and shared intellectual experience among incoming students.
• They often serve as a foundational element for orientation and first-year experience initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the characteristics, goals, and benefits of common reading programs.
• To review the literature on academic library involvement in common reading programs.
• To provide a case study of an academic health sciences library's participation in a First-Year Summer Reading program.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of academic library engagement in common reading programs.
• Descriptive analysis of common reading program features and objectives.
• Case study methodology detailing a specific library's involvement.

Main Results:

• Common reading programs offer significant benefits for student engagement and retention.
• Academic libraries contribute through collection development, programming, and faculty collaboration.
• The case study illustrates practical strategies for library participation in summer reading initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Academic libraries are vital partners in the success of common reading programs.
• Effective library involvement can enhance the student experience and academic outcomes.
• Institutions should leverage library resources to maximize the impact of these programs.