This past year, User Services librarians worked hard to support the UWM community through student-centered initiatives, quality research support services, and information literacy expertise.
We put students first
The way we curate our spaces, show up around campus, and use our voices reflects our dedication to supporting the whole student. User Services librarians strive to center students in all the work we do.
Advocating for affordability
User Services librarians champion the cause of open and affordable course materials. Since 2016 the Libraries’ Open Textbook and Open Educational Resource Adoption Project has saved UWM students $5,482,781, and 123 classes now use open textbooks.
Creating spaces that matter
Whether it’s through interactive whiteboard prompts, games and crafts, themed celebrations like ‘Geek Week’, or therapy dog visits, User Services librarians work hard to create a fun and welcoming library environment.
We hosted 20 ‘Wag More Wednesdays’ —that’s 92 individual therapy dog visits and a ton of smiles!
We believe a library should support the whole student
Showing up for the UWM Community
User Services librarians demonstrate their commitment to students by hosting and volunteering at events designed to connect Panthers with the resources they need to succeed. In 2024, our librarians volunteered as judges for the Undergraduate Research Symposium, attended departmental welcome events, and hosted activities for First Gen Week —a week long celebration and resource sharing event for first generation college students. During the week, librarians connected with students, handed out library swag, distributed 81 library “adventure” guides and countless buttons and stickers to first generation Panthers.
We provide excellent information services
Library instruction by the numbers
The workshops, one-on-one research consultations, and instructional materials created by User Services librarians have wide-reaching impact on UWM students. In 2024, we taught 282 information literacy instruction workshops, supporting students of all levels as they develop research skills. To schedule a library workshop for your class, please fill out our instruction request form.
Research help by the numbers
Students and faculty alike rely on library reference services and online help pages to navigate their UWM experience. Whether you need directions, help with a citation, or information on open access publishing, User Services staff are there to answer your questions and help you meet your research goals.
“Library instruction provides a welcoming introduction to the library and its resources—which is an especially important source of support for new First-Year Bridge students.”
We know how to navigate changing technology
Through a series of personal and professional goals, our division has prioritized staying current about the ways generative AI is impacting research practices. In 2024, User Services librarians stepped up to fill a critical role in the campus conversation about generative AI by providing workshops, presentations for faculty, and tools to guide instruction and research decisions. We draw on our information literacy expertise to help researchers explore and scrutinize generative AI tools.
Guides and tools
Our librarians have created and curated resources to help Panthers adapt to the changing research landscape.
- Guide to Generative AI and Research Presented through an information literacy lens, this guide gives instructors resources and reflection questions to help them evaluate the impact of AI on their disciplines and classrooms.
- AI Research Tool Comparison Chart This quick reference chart allows users to assess the strengths and weaknesses of three popular AI research assistants.
- Guide to Citing AI This guide offers practical advice for citing information generated by AI tools.
- Fall Into Research Resource Guide Created in support of the 2024 ‘Fall into Research’ event hosted by User Services librarians, this guide shares resources related to the JSTOR AI research assistant and scholarship about the impact of AI on literature searching.
Sharing expertise
Throughout the year, we’ve provided guidance and space to develop disciplinary approaches to research in the era of AI.
- Trick or Treat: AI research assistants disrupting information discovery | Fall Into Research October 30, 2024 Our Research Services Team hosted an event on the topic examine emerging AI research tools, their benefits, and shortcomings from viewpoints of information content providers, librarians, and users.
- Generative AI, Academic Libraries, and Student Research | Active Teaching Lab (May 1, 2024) In this workshop, instruction librarians lead UWM instructors through reflection activities designed to help them arrive at disciplinary and student-centered approaches to research assignments.