Building uncommon community with a common book: The role of librarians as collaborators and contributors to campus reading programs

Abstract

Library involvement with Campus Reading Experiences (CRE) at two community colleges and two 4-year institutions are described. Each chosen case study reflects a strong library presence in institutional level program planning and instructional development for deeper student learning related to the CRE. In particular, the case studies highlight the connections among librarians, student affairs professionals, and academic affairs administrators. Practical suggestions for how librarians can initiate this type of collaboration on their campus as well as advice for how librarians can take a more active role in already existing reading programs are provided.