Poster for the 8th NCAAL

1. Reaching First-Generation College Students
The Role of Academic Libraries in Student Success
Nataly Blas, Diversity Resident Librarian (nrblas@uncg.edu)
8 Retention Dimensions
Bibliography
C.AR.E Program
The FSU C.A.R.E Summer Bridge Program is an
alternative admission program for first-generation
college students who are disadvantaged by an
economic or educational circumstance.
Partnership with Strozier Library
 Tailored library tours and information literacy
sessions
 Designated library study space
 Library liaison for C.A.R.E Program
 Ability to collaborate with designated C.A.R.E
faculty
Alianza UNCG
Alianza UNCG strives to support first-generation
Hispanic college students achieve academic
success during their UNCG experience.
Partnership with Jackson Library
 Outreach and promotion of library resources
and services (Welcome Reception)
 Translation of library materials into Spanish
 Library liaison for Alianza UNCG
 Ability to collaborate with Hispanic/Latino
faculty, staff, and students
Get to know your First-Generation
Students!
First-generation students are individuals who are
the first in their family to complete a college
education.
Characteristics include:
 More likely to be older, have lower incomes,
be married and have dependents.
 More likely to enroll part time, attend 2-year
institutions and for-profit institutions.
 Tend to have lower incomes and more likely to
choose an institution based on cost.
 Tend to have lower levels of academic
preparation.
(Tym, McMillion, Barone, Webster, 2004)
Strategies
 Understand that college may be a culture shock
for first-generation students
 Read relevant literature
 Collaborate with other groups on campus
 Seek out opportunities to “meet and greet”
 Create tailored IL sessions and library tours
 Strive to establish relationships with students and
provide useful resources
 Participate in campus-wide retention efforts
 Collect library resources that reflect the needs of
first-generation students
 Promote the library as a study space
 Be an advocate and motivator for academic
success!
University of North
Carolina at Greensboro
Barone, S., McMillion, R., Tym, C., & Webster, J. (2004). First-generation
college students: A literature review. Retrieved from http://inpath
ways.net/first_generation_college_students.pdf
Cushman, K. (2006). First in the family: Your college years, advice about
college from first-generation students. Providence: Next Generation Press.
Ward, L., Siegel, M. J., Davenport, Z., & Gardner, J. (2012). First -
generation college students: Understanding and improving the experience
from recruitment to commencement. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.