Elon University: New Dean and University Librarian Aims to Expand Functionality of Belk Library
From The Pendulum (Elon University Student Newspaper):
The first week of class inspires the library with a new energy, but the new dean and university librarian envisions a library that reaches beyond the brick walls and delves into Elon University’s campus life.
“One thing we are emphasizing is outreach of the library throughout the campus community,” said Joan Ruelle, who assumed the position June 1.
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“I think we are doing a good job with students who do come to the library, but how do we reach those for who that is not a habit right now?” she asked.
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While serving as the university librarian at Hollins University in Roanoke, Va., Ruelle built a librarian program attractive to the student body, said Mary Wise, associate vice president of academic affairs and chairwoman of the selection committee, in a previous interview with The Pendulum. To increase the appeal of the library, Ruelle implemented a program titled Rock the Stacks, during which bands were invited to perform in the library.
Ruelle discusses the Rock the Stacks program in the video clip below.
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Filed under: Academic Libraries, Interviews, Libraries, News, Profiles
About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.