Evaluating Peer Research Mentors: a campus collaboration for effective student learning

1. Evaluating Peer Research Mentors: a campus collaboration for effective student learning 9th Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries and Information Services Annie Donahue – UNH Manchester August 2011

2. Library Research Mentor Program – BackgroundMeet Natalie and Beau to learn a little about the program

3. Library Research Mentor Program Pilot Study – Spring 2011 Catalysts for action

4. Our Mission Statements Reflect Core Values

5. Goals identified by the UNH Manchester Library Goals identified by the Center for Academic Enrichment. • Improve students’ library research and writing skills • Provide professional development opportunities for tutor certification levels • Expand tutor roles and enhance their own research skills • Facilitate the transfer of communication skills from tutor training to the library setting Improve students’ information literacy skills Reduce “library anxiety” among first-year students Increase students’ confidence levels with library research process Enhance students’ critical thinking skills Promote librarianship as a career possibility

6. How did we assess students’ attitudes and performance?

7. 8. Rank the following strategies for effectiveness in choosing search terms. (Rank 1 for the highest and 5 for the lowest)

8. 9. Why would you use a library database? Choose one answer from the list below. Pre-test Post-test

9. 11. In critically evaluating information sources you should consider all but Post-test Pre-test

10. 13. Jennifer is looking for sources for her research paper on bullying. The professor requires that students use two academic journal articles, two books, and one web source in their paper. Jennifer has found two books and a web source for her paper but is not sure where to find journal articles. Which choice below is the best place to find journal articles on bullying? Pre-test Post-test

12. I am willing to ask a librarian for assistance Working in the library makes me nervous

13. I am confident in my ability to access information through the library online catalog and databases I prefer to do my academic research using a search engine like Google

14. I like writing assignments that require research I tend to use the first few sources I find

15. 16. What are the steps you take to start your research process for this paper? Pre-test

16. 16. What are the steps you take to start your research process for this paper? Post-test

17. 20. You found academic journals, books and web sources on bullying. What questions will you ask yourself to determine if you could use these sources for your research paper? Pre-test

18. 20. You found academic journals, books and web sources on bullying. What questions will you ask yourself to determine if you could use these sources for your research paper? Post-test

19. Students’ Voice – What I Learned!

20. How did we assess mentors’ experiences?

21. Mentors’ Share Their Experiences Typically my role in the research process was to work with the source material used in their papers. The students and I worked to incorporate sources seamlessly, while ensuring that they thoroughly analyzed the research and explained how it supported their thesis. This part of the research mentor process is very helpful for students. Becoming a research mentor has not only benefitted the students who have come forward asking for assistance, but it has also benefitted my own research. The library research mentor program has given me the opportunity to better help my peers in their research, which strengthens their writing and allows them to excel in their academics. . . . I am a better tutor because of this additional training.

22. Some Unexpected Challenges

23. Modifications/Lessons Learned

24. Feedback Welcome!Questions? Library Measurement