Librarians Bridging the Gap: From High School to University

Abstract

Academic libraries have not typically been able to build partnerships with K-12 education in ways that could both impact our information literacy mission and the goals of our universities surrounding student achievement and academic persistence. However, these partnerships are important in the big picture, as libraries try to affect information literacy and student achievement. Partnerships with pre-university students can be accomplished in various ways, but one avenue is working through college preparation and academic outreach programs affiliated with the university. Since 2010, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries have been collaborating with the Office of Admissions on an innovative program working with high school seniors through the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy (NCPA). The UNL Libraries have been able to demonstrate a strong connection with the students as they enter college, helping impact student retention and achievement statistics. Moreover, the project has improved the information literacy skills of the cohort’s students, by starting to work with them from the high school level.