Rethinking Library Services for First-Generation Students: Do We Need to Change Existing Models?

Abstract

This poster examines the results of our research project into the needs of first-year transfer and first-generation students as they begin their college careers. We seek to understand how first-generation students’ perceive libraries and library services as a touchpoint in their education. We chose to focus on expanding the portrait of these students as presented in the existing library literature on critical pedagogy by adding personal student experiences and voices to inform our future interactions with this population. Particular to this study is our utilization of Pierre Bourdieu’s notion of Habitus as a founding theoretical framework. By using this theory, we are able to turn student input into a useful model while maintaining the individuality of the student while also attempting to dissuade harmful and problematic notions of essentialism. This project explores the tenets of Critical Librarianship like self-reflection, critical thinking and examination of our teaching practices.