From the Outside in: Bringing Student Engagement to the Centre

Abstract

This case study looks at the University of Manchester Library Student Team (UMLST) as a model for inclusive community engagement. It examines the impact of working with students as co-creators and explores how the ideas, insights and value they bring serve to drive change in a way that enables the Library to deliver in relation to current student needs, rather than react to past requirements. It discusses how the UMLST have engaged in and delivered peer-led support, how they have shaped space and policies and how this model places the Library within the community, instead of framing the community as an outside group or other with which to engage.

Keywords:

• Collaboration
• library staff development
• student engagement
• University libraries
• students

Acknowledgements

The authors would particularly like to thank all of the members of the University of Manchester Library Student Team, old and new. Your enthusiasm, drive and commitment to working to create a better student experience for everyone at the University of Manchester is an inspiration. You are valued members of the Library team and an example of just how powerful staff and student partnerships can be. We would also like to thank Rosie Jones and Jan Wilkinson for supporting the creation of the original Student Team and Katy Woolfenden and Professor Christopher Pressler for their continued support of the work we all do together.