Are academic libraries utilized to produce engaged alumni?

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain the relationship alumni may have with their institution’s library and its effect on student success, which, in turn, produces more engaged alumni. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides a base interaction model that describes this relationship. Findings Libraries are well positioned to not only engage current students but to establish the foundation for these students to become engaged alumni. Originality/value This base relationship model may help with advocating for secure funds of libraries and/or a higher priority for fundraising.

When the road to academic success goes through the library: A case study at the University of Seville

“…Given this pressing need, the academic literature has studied the influence that libraries have on student retention (Haddow, 2013;Haddow & Joseph, 2010;Hubbard & Loos, 2013;Mezick, 2015;Soria, Fransen, & Nackerud, 2013); student engagement (Griffith & Kealty, 2018;Schlak, 2018) and perception (Alharbi & Middleton, 2012;Kim, 2017); the use of scholarly resources and citations in their coursework (Hurst & Leonard, 2007); and libraries' contribution to faculty productivity in terms of research, grant, and publishing activities (Tenopir, King, Mays, Baer, & Wu, 2010). More specifically, studies have also been developed that analyze the use that students make of libraries and how this influences their grades.…”