UCI Libraries Newsletter, Fall 2007

The transition from high school to the more rigorous demands of university life can be exciting and challenging for both students and their parents. Today’s students often turn to their parents when they have questions about college or difficult class assignments. To help with the transition, the Libraries’ Department of Education and Outreach held a series of workshops this summer for parents of incoming freshmen to help them learn about the library services and resources available.

Parents take a tour of Langson Library

“The response to the first parent orientation workshops was overwhelmingly positive,” said Cathy Palmer, the Libraries’ Head of Education and Outreach. “The parents who participated were very impressed with all the valuable tools that are available to students. Many were not aware of the many ways that students have to access information electronically.”

Held in conjunction with UCI’s Student-Parent Orientation Program (SPOP), the library sessions included a workshop and tour of the Langson and Science Libraries where librarians described the extensive resources available to students and how technology is used to make information more accessible to them. The sessions took place in the computer labs to give parents a taste of their student’s experience. Parents had the chance to meet librarians and library staff who assist students throughout their academic career. “The parents who participated were very impressed with all the valuable tools that are available to students.”Library staff answered questions that helped parents understand what services the Libraries provide, including the availability of wireless computing throughout all UCI libraries and the use of the “My Antpac” feature of the libraries’ online catalog to renewing materials students have checked out. Other topics covered were the availability of study space in the libraries, the methods for printing and photocopying, and the variety of types of help available from librarians.

Parents were also introduced to the Libraries’ Partner programs that are open to the community, which include our popular lecture, author, and exhibit events. Given that many participants acknowledged that they have mixed emotions about the “empty nest” created by their sons and daughters leaving home for college, it is likely that we will see many of these parents at these events throughout the year!

For more information, please contact Cathy Palmer, Head of Education and Outreach, at 949.824.4972 or cpalmer@uci.edu.


	Library Speaker Series Features Award-Winning Author Sylvia Holden Robb Bequeths Major Gift to Libraries New Website Showcases "Quest for Peace" Interviews Parents Learn about the Libraries Check out the Partners and Friends Website! Calisphere: Gateway to California’s Cultural Heritage Distinguished Librarian Anne Frank Retires UCI Libraries in Second Life Honor with Books - Remember and Celebrate People and Events UCI Libraries Honor Roll of Donors 2006-2007 Library Wish List Recent Library Book Club Picks Fall Exhibit Highlights UC CUBA Initiative Literary Orange 2008	The transition from high school to the more rigorous demands of university life can be exciting and challenging for both students and their parents. Today’s students often turn to their parents when they have questions about college or difficult class assignments. To help with the transition, the Libraries’ Department of Education and Outreach held a series of workshops this summer for parents of incoming freshmen to help them learn about the library services and resources available. Parents take a tour of Langson Library “The response to the first parent orientation workshops was overwhelmingly positive,” said Cathy Palmer, the Libraries’ Head of Education and Outreach. “The parents who participated were very impressed with all the valuable tools that are available to students. Many were not aware of the many ways that students have to access information electronically.” Held in conjunction with UCI’s Student-Parent Orientation Program (SPOP), the library sessions included a workshop and tour of the Langson and Science Libraries where librarians described the extensive resources available to students and how technology is used to make information more accessible to them. The sessions took place in the computer labs to give parents a taste of their student’s experience. Parents had the chance to meet librarians and library staff who assist students throughout their academic career. “The parents who participated were very impressed with all the valuable tools that are available to students.”Library staff answered questions that helped parents understand what services the Libraries provide, including the availability of wireless computing throughout all UCI libraries and the use of the “My Antpac” feature of the libraries’ online catalog to renewing materials students have checked out. Other topics covered were the availability of study space in the libraries, the methods for printing and photocopying, and the variety of types of help available from librarians. Parents were also introduced to the Libraries’ Partner programs that are open to the community, which include our popular lecture, author, and exhibit events. Given that many participants acknowledged that they have mixed emotions about the “empty nest” created by their sons and daughters leaving home for college, it is likely that we will see many of these parents at these events throughout the year! For more information, please contact Cathy Palmer, Head of Education and Outreach, at 949.824.4972 or cpalmer@uci.edu.