F13: Student Engagement is Serious Fun
Session Description
Generously Sponsored By: Simon Fraser University Library
The University of Waterloo Library Communications Team has developed a new brand identity to frame student engagement and outreach, called Serious Fun. This guiding principle encompasses student-focused engagement and outreach activities, the Library’s social media presence on multiple platforms, and the voice in which we tell our story online and in print. Serious Fun combines education elements – promoting Library services, resources, and the skills development that supports success – in a fun and casual voice that resonates with students, in physical and digital spaces. Telling our story through peer ambassadors, memes, and active and passive programming makes the Library a familiar and approachable place so students will readily access our academic services at their time of need.
Our presentation would expand on the material presented in the article “Student Engagement is Serious Fun,” recently published in the Outreach Issue of BCLA’s Perspectives: https://bclaconnect.ca/perspectives/2018/11/25/student-engagement-is-serious-fun/
This interactive session will present transformative ideas on how all Library staff can actively engage students through the embodiment of the Serious Fun philosophy. We will demonstrate, in the spirit of Serious Fun, how this new brand has expanded the reach and impact of our communications and engagement activities.
Speakers
Mary Lynne Bartlett, University of Waterloo Library
Biography
Mary Lynne is University of Waterloo Library's Student Engagement Coordinator. She has supervised student staff for 18 years, designed and established the Library Ambassador program, and is the Library's social media manager. Her Master's degree in tourism, policy and planning focused on community, sense of self and belonging, and her interests in these areas continue to drive her work.