Reaching a Multicultural Student Community

Changing student demographics demand that colleges and universities meet the special needs of a new population, and libraries will play an increasingly important role in facing these challenges of the future. This professional reference is intended for academic librarians interested in establishing peer outreach programs for minority students. The volume includes an overview of the unique challenges facing academic institutions and libraries today in serving a diverse student population, suggestions on working effectively in the current academic environment, and practical guidelines for specific program design, implementation, and evaluation. Topics considered include performing a community analysis, the politics of program development, budgeting, personnel management, and program evaluation. Model program materials are included to assist librarians in establishing similar programs, and a bibliography provides a list of additional information sources.

KAREN E. DOWNING is Associate Librarian and Coordinator of Academic Outreach Services at the University of Michigan Undergraduate Library.

BARBARA MacADAM is Head of the Undergraduate Library at the Univerity of Michigan.

DARLENE P. NICHOLS is Associate Librarian at the Univerity of Michigan Undergraduate Library.