Development, implementation and importance of an undergraduate peer research consultant program at the University of North Dakota’s Chester Fritz Library

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to describe both the development of a peer research consultant program – using student assistants to staff the reference desk with minimal supervision while providing high-quality research assistance to their undergraduate peers, and the steps taken to create buy-in for the program from campus and librarians. Design/methodology/approach The authors provide a description of peer reference services and describe how a remodel of the library building facilitated a redesign of services. The paper covers the process of developing program guidelines, securing funding, expectations of peer research consultants, the training process and lessons learned from a medium-sized academic library. Findings The findings after the first year demonstrate that undergraduates are highly skilled at providing high-quality reference services when provided with quality training and support. In addition, undergraduate students are now seeking out peer researchers for assistance with research items such as topic formation, keyword development in databases and proper citations. Research limitations/implications No formal research or assessment of the program has been completed as of this time. Practical implications Well-trained Peer Research Consultants (PRCs) provide valued assistance to librarians in freshman composition classes, at the Ask Us reference desk, and to their peers. The program has allowed librarians to provide more outreach to their subject areas. Social implications Students prefer going to their peers for research assistance rather than a professional librarian when given the choice. The training the PRCs are provided by librarians provides credibility and trust, which encourages undergraduate students to approach PRCs for assistance. Originality/value This paper draws on multiple iterations of peer reference models to create an original program, involving training student employees to provide reference services at a paraprofessional level, as well as providing the methodology for other academic libraries to develop and launch a similar program.

“I want my PRC”: engagement of undergraduates with and assessment of the peer research consultant program

“…The original goals of the program included enhancing the PRCs' collegiate experience and contributing to UND's Strategic Plan (One UND, 2017-2022) through High Impact Practices (HIPs), as well as developing their career readiness. This meant improving the PRC's ability to problem solve, communicate effectively, model excellent customer service and utilize reference interview techniques (Clark et al ., 2020; Chase et al ., 2020). A new Strategic Plan is in the draft stages, and Clark will be sure to review and adjust any changes to stay aligned with UND goals.…”

“…The PRCs were instrumental in moving most training instruction to an online format. They were heavily involved in planning how to keep both patrons and frontline student employees safe (Clark et al ., 2020) before the pandemic, and as CFL reopened post-COVID lockdown in the fall of 2020. All Public Services students had to work with the uncertainty of whether the building would re-open and if there would be projects for them to work on.…”

“…At the beginning of the program the PRC librarian team was solely focused on how to implement a program and ensure undergraduate employees were uniquely qualified to assist their peers. As the program reached the two year mark, the team leaders began to spend more time focusing on how the job could better provide educational and professional benefits to the PRCs.“While assisting their peers, the peer consultants explore new ideas, gain new knowledge about a variety of disciplines, and improve their research skills” (Clark et al ., 2020, p. 583) through critical thinking by evaluating evidence and resources, as well as talking about ways to overcome bias (Sanford, 2021). After reviewing what other libraries are doing, it was decided to help PRCs verbalize benefits including self-confidence and conflict management, in addition to teamwork and communication (Beer et al ., 2019, p. 5).…”

“…Giving student employees increased responsibility can increase pride in their work. The energy and enthusiasm of student employees can be contagious for all library staff and increase staff morale (Clark et al ., 2020, p. 583). Breiland's coworkers are all in different areas of study, but all of them find reasons as to how this job is helping them in their future career goals.…”

“…One of the original goals of the CFL's PRC program was to “contribute to student learning by leveraging the social advantages of peer learning” (Clark et al ., 2020, p. 583). While a study has not been done yet on the campus' view of the Peer Research Consultant (PRC) program, the PRCs themselves often hear many positive comments about their availability.…”