Health Sciences Library Support of a University Common Reading Program: A Case Study

ABSTRACT

Common reading programs have become increasingly popular on college and university campuses as a means for increasing student engagement, retention, and success. This article describes the characteristics, goals, and benefits of common reading programs and provides examples from the literature of academic library involvement in them. Finally, an example is provided of how one academic health sciences library participated in its institution’s First-Year Summer Reading program.

KEYWORDS:

• Common reading programs
• first-year summer reading programs
• health sciences libraries
• library outreach
• student retention

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frances A. Delwiche

Frances A. Delwiche, MLIS ([email protected]) is Library Associate Professor, Research & Education Librarian, Dana Medical Library, University of Vermont, 81 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405.