Though the Falvey Library already boasts an impressive collection of reading materials, it is currently looking into options for creating a pilot program to offer students access to more popular reading, in addition to materials on well-being. To do so, it is turning to the student body to provide its opinions and input to inform its next steps.
Earlier this month, the Falvey Library sent out a survey to all students through the Wildcat Newswire in order to gauge the interests and preferences of the student body. The survey featured a preview of the wide range of books that could become a part of Falvey’s collection.
This preview included non-fiction books about critical current issues, such as The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, popular fiction novels, like The It Girl by Ruth Ware, and personal development books, like How to do Nothing by Jenny O’Dell. It also asked students for their reading preferences, such as print vs. online, simultaneous borrowing and being able to listen to materials. At the end, it asked for any input that students felt would be helpful to the development of this collection.
This effort to broaden the scope of reading materials available to students is being undertaken by the Collection Management Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the management, development and the strategic administration of the many collections at Falvey.
The decision to explore launching this pilot program came out of the experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused increased levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness and depressive thoughts among college students across the nation. Millicent Gaskell, University Librarian and chair of the Collection Management Committee, has said that Falvey saw how “the pandemic took a toll on many people, including the Villanova community,” and as a result, is “exploring how to holistically support students in ways that go beyond academics and scholarship.”
Another important member of the Collection Management Committee, John Banionis, Director of Resource Management and Description explained the ultimate goal of this project as creating a way “to help nourish a student’s personal growth, ensuring that we are addressing each community member’s whole self beyond academic resources.”
Working along with Millicent Gaskell and John Banionis is the rest of the Collection Management Committee, which is composed of Director of Distinctive Collections and Digital Engagement Michael Foight, Metrics and Assessment Librarian Danielle Dempsey Acquisitions and Librarian Lia Chaleva and a librarian from each of the three subject teams: Humanities, Social Sciences and STEM.
The Collection Management Committee’s emphasis on facilitating student growth, being a resource for students beyond their academic needs and taking into consideration the interests and needs of the student body is in accordance with its philosophy. As the Collection Development Philosophy Statement says, Falvey Library supports the entire University community through the work of “building healthy and robust library collections,” and by having “active conversations with campus communities and strong collaborations with internal and external partners.”
While this project is still in its early stages, the hardworking and dedicated team at the Falvey Library is excited about the possibilities and potential that it has to impact student life at the University.
“It’s too early to know exactly what form this pilot program will take, but we’re keen to see how students respond,” Gaskell said. “And we’re always excited to find new ways to engage students, including offering books to support their interests beyond their coursework.”
Essentially, the students have the power to shape this crucial service by taking the survey and letting their voices inform the direction that it takes.
