ULA / MPLA Conference 2024

Academic libraries are often intimidating institutions, especially for first year and/or first-generation students. Incorporating creativity and playfulness can help alleviate library anxiety and reduce the barriers that prevent students from accessing the wealth of resources libraries offer. It can also improve students' creativity and increase feelings of belonging in the library and on campus. Through individual and coordinated efforts, the BYU Library has utilized a variety of activities to help students get to know and feel comfortable in the library. Whether its library-wide medieval themed events, coloring pages or Legos at reference desks, culturally inclusive library displays, or library participation in campus-wide events, feedback from students shows that these efforts are valuable and appreciated.