Ethnography in Action: Active Learning in Academic Library Outreach to Middle School Students |
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| Authors: | Samantha Godbey Nancy Fawley Xan Goodman Susan Wainscott |
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| Institution: | 1. Education Librarian, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA;2. Head, Library Liaisons Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA;3. Health and Life Sciences Librarian, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA;4. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Librarian, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA |
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| Abstract: | This article describes an outreach activity developed and coordinated by academic librarians as part of a state program for low-income middle school students. Rather than offering a traditional library tour, the library organizers wanted to provide the middle school students with a meaningful experience that would encourage active participation, critical thinking, and alleviate library anxiety. As a spin on the traditional tour, students applied an ethnographic approach to learning about the library. The authors describe the development and implementation of the activity and provide recommendations for other librarians involved in outreach to K–12 students. |
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| Keywords: | academic libraries outreach early recruitment ethnography active learning library anxiety STEM |
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