ACRL releases “Creators in the Academic Library”

CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of “Creators in the Academic Library: Instruction and Outreach,” edited by Alexander C. Watkins and Rebecca Zuege Kuglitsch, and “Creators in the Academic Library: Collections and Spaces,” edited by Rebecca Zuege Kuglitsch and Alexander C. Watkins. These books explore how to teach specifically for creator research and deepen students’ understanding of their own practice, as well as how academic libraries can build collections, spaces, and communities that serve creators. 

Engineering students, designers, studio artists, and other student creators have unique research needs that libraries are well-positioned to meet. They use academic literature to inspire and ground creation, but also seek information from trade literature, patents, technical standards, and how-to manuals. They apply tacit knowledge and need to learn not only how to write within academic discourse but also create objects, designs, and experiences.

"Creators in the Academic Library: Instruction and Outreach" looks at technology, tools, and techniques for creation; inspiring creativity through research; creators unique information needs; and grounding creation in research. It offers learning strategies and objectives that can help you teach all manner of creators.

"Creators in the Academic Library: Collections and Spaces" explores tailoring collections for creators; making in the academic library; creating experiences in the library; and cultivating creator communities. It documents spaces and collections that strive for equity and authenticity, for playfulness and joy, and offers strategies for creating a library open to all comers seeking a place to create in a liberating environment.

“Creators in the Academic Library” is available for purchase in print (“Instruction and Outreach” and “Collections and Spaces”) and as ebooks (“Instruction and Outreach” and “Collections and Spaces”) through the ALA Online Store; in print through Amazon.com; and by telephone order at (800) 621-2736 in the U.S. or (773) 702-7010 for international customers. 

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The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing nearly 8,500 individuals and libraries, ACRL (a division of the American Library Association) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning, transforming scholarship, and creating diverse and inclusive communities. Find ACRL on the web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.