Reaching First-Generation College Students The Role of Academic Libraries in Student Success

Nataly Blas, Diversity Resident Librarian (nrblas@uncg.edu)

8 Retention Dimensions

Bibliography

C.AR.E Program The FSU C.A.R.E Summer Bridge Program is an

alternative admission program for first-generation

college students who are disadvantaged by an

economic or educational circumstance.

Partnership with Strozier Library

Tailored library tours and information literacy

sessions

Designated library study space

Library liaison for C.A.R.E Program

Ability to collaborate with designated C.A.R.E

faculty

Alianza UNCG Alianza UNCG strives to support first-generation

Hispanic college students achieve academic

success during their UNCG experience.

Partnership with Jackson Library

Outreach and promotion of library resources

and services (Welcome Reception)

Translation of library materials into Spanish

Library liaison for Alianza UNCG

Ability to collaborate with Hispanic/Latino

faculty, staff, and students

Get to know your First-Generation

Students!

First-generation students are individuals who are

the first in their family to complete a college

education.

Characteristics include:

More likely to be older, have lower incomes,

be married and have dependents.

More likely to enroll part time, attend 2-year

institutions and for-profit institutions.

Tend to have lower incomes and more likely to

choose an institution based on cost.

Tend to have lower levels of academic

preparation.

(Tym, McMillion, Barone, Webster, 2004)

Strategies

Understand that college may be a culture shock

for first-generation students

Read relevant literature

Collaborate with other groups on campus

Seek out opportunities to “meet and greet”

Create tailored IL sessions and library tours

Strive to establish relationships with students and

provide useful resources

Participate in campus-wide retention efforts

Collect library resources that reflect the needs of

first-generation students

Promote the library as a study space

Be an advocate and motivator for academic

success!

University of North

Carolina at Greensboro

Barone, S., McMillion, R., Tym, C., & Webster, J. (2004). First-generation

college students: A literature review. Retrieved from http://inpath

ways.net/first_generation_college_students.pdf

Cushman, K. (2006). First in the family: Your college years, advice about

college from first-generation students. Providence: Next Generation Press.

Ward, L., Siegel, M. J., Davenport, Z., & Gardner, J. (2012). First -

genera tion college students: Understanding and improving the experience

from recruitment to commencement. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.