Guiding Research, Building Belonging: Librarians' Role in Honors Undergraduate Research

Abstract

Participation in high-impact educational practices (HIPs) such as living-learning programs (LLPs) and undergraduate research are continually cited as strong indicators of student engagement in higher education. The current literature shows students participating in HIPs exhibit a stronger sense of belonging on their campus. While academic libraries have regularly provided support to HIPs in higher education, much of the literature has focused on academic libraries as institutional support, instead of academic librarians as individual support. This case study of an undergraduate research-focused LLP at the University of Maryland, College Park investigated how mentorship from academic librarians is positively contributing to students' sense of belonging on campus.