Librarians play a vital and evolving role in supporting the academic and research activities at their university. A key factor in boosting the confidence and skills of students and researchers is ensuring they are aware of the wide range of research tools available to them. However, due to time, budget, and other constraints, reaching the entire community effectively can be difficult.
Libraries curate a wonderful range of research tools for their community. The ACRL State of U.S. Academic Libraries 2023 Survey found that digital materials make up 47% of reported library collection holdings, and when excluding Doctoral Universities this figure rises to over 80%. However, digital resources lack the visibility of physical books, so they can be daunting or simply unknown to students. Many will rely on Generative AI tools or Google Scholar without realising the challenges and dangers it brings, such as access to untrustworthy and irrelevant results. Instead, it is vital that literature searching includes the use of a wider range of resources, particularly those providing access to trusted and authoritative information. This will ensure that the quality and range of literature found will increase, leading to higher student performance and satisfaction, improved retention rates, and contribution to the scientific landscape.
Here are 5 ways that librarians can raise awareness of the variety of research tools available:
1. Social Media
Strategic use of social media platforms enables libraries to amplify research impact, foster communities, and support institutional branding. Librarians can leverage analytics to refine messaging, target specific research groups, and evaluate engagement outcomes in alignment with library and university goals.
There are many ways to use the library's social media presence to put the word out about what's available. Spotlight a single resource: key features, how to access it, and who would benefit from using it. Or perhaps put together a list of tools available for a specific department or subject. If you struggle to come up with content for your social media, why not take a look at the accounts of the resources and tools themselves? For example, the IFIS social media channels regularly share tips for literature searching, publishing research, and much more. We welcome librarians to share our content. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram.
Top tip: Be sure to improve your reach by tagging the accounts of the relevant departments, research centres, and societies. Use appropriate hashtags and encourage other university accounts to share your posts to find the best audience.
For those wishing to promote access to the FSTA database, we have put together a range of ready-to-use graphics designed specifically for universities, along with caption templates.
2. Posters and Digital Signage
Targeted use of signage and visual campaigns can drive awareness among those visiting the library building. Whether a traditional paper poster, digital signage, or computer screensavers, visuals are a great way to highlight key resources.
Collaborate with university communications teams to ensure messaging consistency and maximise reach. Consider adding signage to high-footfall areas of campus, particularly within relevant departments and societies.
Top tip: Remember that information overload can make your signage less effective. Avoid this by strategically selecting the places you display. It’s better to have fewer posters but rotate which ones you display, rather than covering all the walls.
If you’re not sure where to start, browse our range of graphics and posters, which are ready to download and use. The posters are also available as a customisable template, allowing you to easily add your institution’s logo and a webpage for access.
3. Library Events
Library-hosted training events are a core part of student engagement and advanced professional development. These events are often incredibly valuable for those who attend, allowing students to understand how to use the library and explore the variety of tools and resources available to them. One study reported that 82.5% of respondents found face-to-face events to be the most effective technique in promoting library services and resources. However, it can be challenging to find the time and budget to invest in the organisation and the preparation required. Although the number of presentations held by libraries annually is increasing, it is still below pre-pandemic levels.
Partnering with experts to co-create event content can ease the burden while enhancing relevance and fostering sustainable collaborations. Take advantage of the support available from third parties, such as your discovery service or database providers. As a not-for-profit, IFIS regularly support our customer community by co-hosting online and in-person events on topics such as basic and advanced literature searching skills, the dangers of predatory journals, and using AI in academic research. Bringing other trusted organisations in to host events will allow you to put on a wider range of events throughout the year. Contact us to arrange your event.
Student feedback from IFIS-hosted events:
"The webinar is very beneficial to the pursuit of my academics. Thank you, and I hope to participate in future events." PHD student, University of Johannesburg
"Thanks for the talk on Predatory Publishing the other day which was incredibly illuminating" Masters Student, University of Reading
Event feedback can support future strategies and is crucial evidence for demonstrating the library’s value to university leadership. In addition, longitudinal assessment methods can be used to measure the impact on research productivity and student success.
4. Faculty Outreach
Specialist databases and tools are particularly prone to limited visibility amongst both students and faculty. However, these are often the most powerful and valuable resources available to them. They allow literature searchers to explore highly suitable peer-reviewed content, making it faster to find relevant, trusted research while minimising their exposure to false hits and fake science.
By ensuring that relevant faculty are aware of the range of resources available through targeted communication, you can allow this knowledge to extend to the students. This can also strengthen collaboration and demonstrate the library’s value in supporting faculty research agendas.
Top tip: Simplify this process by using our faculty outreach template, which outlines the strengths and features of FSTA.
5. Course content and assignments
By leaving the boundary of the library and embedding literature searching skills into the academic process, you can ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop core skills and improve resource awareness. Even if they have missed (or ignored) all your previous efforts, incorporating library skills into the curriculum will ensure you reach everyone. Collaborate with academic staff to incorporate a library skills assignment into the curriculum and build awareness of the resources on offer. This also allows for a more holistic approach, providing students with practical experience and demonstrable skills vital for future studies and career opportunities.
For example, our selection of customer-exclusive instructional materials include question banks, suggested activities and lesson plans, and handouts. Contact us to request a copy.
Top tip: Easily incorporate a new seminar topic into the curriculum with the Generative AI Instructional Toolkit, exclusive for IFIS customers. The toolkit includes everything you need to lead activities and discussions to help students use generative AI critically, ethically, and effectively.
Maximising Library Impact
Using a range of approaches—encompassing digital, in-person, and curricular interventions—positions the library as an indispensable partner in institutional research and learning ecosystems. Ongoing evaluation and stakeholder feedback should inform the continuous refinement of outreach initiatives, ensuring sustained relevance and demonstrable impact on academic outcomes.
We hope that our suggestions inspire you to try new approaches to student engagement. For those subscribed to FSTA, don't forget to take advantage of the Promotional Toolkit for ready-to-use materials. Good luck!
Google Scholar: a review of literature examining its effectiveness as a search tool
