The University of Idaho is one of the most recognized buildings on campus.
However, many students see the library as just a place to check out books and study. But in reality, there are so many other services they provide, including 3D printing, virtual reality, electronic textbooks, open education resources, historical collections and much more.
“There is no person on campus that uses everything the library has to offer,” said Ben Hunter, the interim dean of the library.
Ben Hunter | Courtesy
Hunter hopes to change that with a new campaign called “My Library.”
“Whenever people come to campus, they create their own library with all the things we provide. That’s why we call it ‘My Library’ because everyone has a library that looks different from everyone else,” he said.
Hunter and Marketing and Cindy Barnhart, marketing and communication manager, have been discussing ways to change the perception of the library since last summer.
“The clearest form of communication is peer to peer,” said Barnhart. “So, we feature students speaking to students about their experiences at the library to connect an actual person to an actual student.”
Since launching this campaign, Barnhart said there has been a small fanbase of sorts that has formed. She has had multiple people who are wanting to come forward to tell their stories.
One of the first UI students to be featured was Hayley Fleischmann. Fleischman, who also works at the library, said she was exposed to the many services that the library offers because of her position.
“As someone who works here, I am able to see the library and all the resources in a whole different perspective,” said Fleischmann. “I hope my story will show the library as much more than what people think. Before I started working here, I didn’t know half of this stuff existed.”
As a way of helping incoming students learn about the library, they will be sending mailing cards to them featuring Fleischmann’s story and her photo from the campaign.
Cindy Barnhart | Courtesy
“Her story is very money based, which is relatable to many upcoming students who want to save money in any way that they can,” said Barnhart.
Barnhart and Hunter said the campaign is in its infancy, with the student features. The next step is to focus on faculty, staff and community members’ stories.
Hunter hopes that students, as well as other university personnel, can find their home at the library. All the services provided are ways to ensure success.
“One of the first things people think about when they’re going to college are their living spaces, what athletic groups they’re going to join and other groups they might join,” said Hunter, “We hope that the library is right there as a sense of community for them.”
The stories were fully released during the first weekend of Uidaho Bound in order to get incoming students excited about coming to the library and experiencing all that it has to offer.
Students can continue to share their stories about what “My Library” means to them the UI Library website.
“If you have a story share it with us, and if you don’t have a story, come find it,” said Hunter.
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected]