2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

When it comes to University engineering departments, student expectations, and student experiences, change is a constant. Pandemic driven shifts to and from remote learning have exacerbated uncertainties and speed around these changes. In a recent effort to re-establish a relationship between the Engineering department and University Library, the library adopted a user centered approach to build connections and establish relationships. Contrary to an “if we build it, they will come” approach, this strategy prioritized a series of interviews and focus groups with students, staff, and faculty within the division. This listening first approach has helped us prioritize library resources in response to demonstrated curricula, research, and scholarship needs, many of which have changed over the past three years. This case study examines student focus groups and interviews. Major takeaways include new knowledge of student research practices, detailed insights from minoritized students, transfer student challenges, approaches to classroom accessibility, and greater curriculum awareness. This data has helped the library identify challenges unique to each discipline within the division, as well as potential gaps in undergraduate and graduate student support prior to initiating service.