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As the COVID-19 pandemic eased, Western relaxed COVID-19 restrictions for the campus in August 2022. Our Broncos bounced back strong and were eager to experience campus more fully in the fall semester. Campus was buzzing with activity and energy from Â鶹´«Ã½s ready to get offline and get involved on campus. This renewed energy was present across campus, especially in the University Libraries.

Dr. Susan Steuer noted that Â鶹´«Ã½s and instructors were excited for hands-on library experiences at the Zhang Legacy Collections Center.

"I think instructors are finding that their Â鶹´«Ã½s enjoy having an in-person experience after a few years of online classes," Steuer says. "[We offer] a hands-on experience that can't be replicated outside of a lab or the environment we have with the archives."

"One of our most vibrant classes is a theater history group. It's a whole group of extroverts," Steuer says. The class utilized materials from the WMU Archives, Regional History Collection and Special Collections, viewing photos, playbills, scripts and posters. The class used their visit to the Zhang to inspire their final class project and to show them the type of materials they might use to research future productions.

"It gives them insights into the broad range of sources that exist," says Steuer. "It's really fun because there aren't many classes where we use all the collections."

"Opportunities feel more tangible in person," says Mckenzie Sharp, fourth-year Western Â鶹´«Ã½ and digital marketing and eCommerce major. "Online is a great way to combat situations similar to COVID-19, but it restricts us from making as many memories as we can together."

The Libraries also offered several fall activities focused on re-engaging Â鶹´«Ã½s with their campus community. 

Sara Volmering, marketing manager, noted that planning activities during orientation and fall welcome are critical for helping Â鶹´«Ã½s acclimate to campus. 

"It's so important to engage Â鶹´«Ã½s as soon as they arrive in the fall," says Volmering. "After COVID, all Â鶹´«Ã½s needed a refresher about what's available on campus and how they can engage as part of a campus community."

Welcome tables, open houses and a succulent planting party were just a few activities Â鶹´«Ã½s flocked to this fall.

"The succulents were a hit," says Volmering. "We wanted to give returning and new Â鶹´«Ã½s something to make their dorms and apartments homey and calm. Students loved making planters for their new 'roommate.'"

"For first-year and transfer Â鶹´«Ã½s, the fall semester is a period of rapid learning in a new environment. Showcasing what we do and building a connection gives Â鶹´«Ã½s support from day one. They know we get them, and we're here for them," Volmering says.

Creative programming to build community

The Libraries initiated new programs to help Â鶹´«Ã½s get acquainted with the libraries and each other, focusing on well-being and community building.

"Our priority is academics, but we can't ignore the other needs of Â鶹´«Ã½s. We need to be more holistic to address the Â鶹´«Ã½ experience," says Kate Langan, engagement librarian. 

In 2022, Langan facilitated over 29 sessions with 578 first-year Â鶹´«Ã½s through the First-Year Experience program. The sessions allowed Â鶹´«Ã½s to explore the library and complete a scavenger hunt with a team of peers. According to Langan, Â鶹´«Ã½s were eager to meet new people outside their regular classes based on feedback from the FYE sessions.

"They loved working together," says Langan. "They also loved the opportunity to expand their peer base and meet new people." 

Creating space for community and engaging Â鶹´«Ã½s in activities to support their academic and social experience was essential for Langan's programming. 

After looking at Â鶹´«Ã½ feedback, Langan noted that building community and social groups were very important to Â鶹´«Ã½s. In response, she created and rolled out a library study community in fall 2022, looking to develop an opportunity for "the social side of studying."

The response was overwhelming. 

"What I learned immediately was that we hit a nerve. We found a niche need on campus. I was going to be happy with 25 Â鶹´«Ã½s. Two hundred thirty-eight signed up for it," recalls Langan.

One of the reasons for the popular response may be the Libraries' unique role with Â鶹´«Ã½s.

"We are at the heart of campus where teaching and learning collide. Why can't we be the social and emotional center of campus as well? Why can't we develop a program that helps them feel more confident and connected to each other and a stronger sense of community?"

Langan is currently iterating on the study communities for spring 2023, bringing new features to increase participation and interest.

"Students come to us. We are not intimidating. They come to us because they need help, and we help them. We don't assign grades or do any sort of evaluation. We're a safe place for them," says Langan. "We're a residential campus. The Libraries add to that community experience."