Pick and choose: Offering options to expand library sessions for undergraduate researchers

Abstract

For a number of years, librarians at the University of California-Merced (UC-Merced) have provided research-focused instruction during a weeklong training bootcamp for undergraduate students participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Institutes (SURI). Based on students’ feedback and library instructors’ post-session discussions, librarians have modified library session content and delivery options. In the past two years, sessions were offered in a mini-conference style, allowing students to select those of most relevance to their own interests and desired learning experiences. Both librarian instructors and student attendees have reacted positively to this “you choose” format in both face-to-face and online environments. In this article we will outline the development of the program and speak to anticipated enhancements for future offerings.