FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
Florida Atlantic University Libraries have once again demonstrated their pivotal role in creating a welcoming and engaging campus environment during the annual Red and Blue Week. The week-long festivities, which celebrated the university's spirit and unity, saw the Libraries take a proactive stance by organizing a trio of events that brought students, faculty, staff, and community members together.
Starting with the Wayzgoose Festival at the Jaffe Center for Book Arts on August 27, followed by a week-long interactive scavenger hunt, the Amazing Race, and the second annual Libraries Open House on August 31, each of these initiatives aimed to not only extend a warm welcome to new and returning students on campus but also to acquaint them with the multitude of resources and services the Libraries offer that support academic success.
On the campus where vibrant traditions meet modern innovation, these events highlighted the University Libraries' unwavering commitment to being valuable partners in students' educational journeys.
University Libraries Amazing Race allowed students to learn about the library services and programs and explore the spaces available to them in a fun and dynamic way. Libraries have had great success with the gamification of events using the Goosechase App, and Amazing Race was another example of a student engagement initiative that made the exploration of the academic library entertaining and effective. The program also showed the Libraries as a supportive partner for departments on campus, as the game promoted other Red and Blue Week events and encouraged students to attend.
The University Libraries Amazing Race saw 200 students participate, with a staggering 1500 submissions, showcasing the enthusiasm and competitive spirit of the university community. The diversity of missions and events on offer meant students had the flexibility to participate in missions both in person and online, engage in a week-long gaming experience, or simply drop by the library during the Open House. The scavenger hunt succeeded in welcoming students and familiarizing them with the library's many resources while underscoring the vital role libraries play in academic success.
The Wayzgoose Festival held at the Jaffe Center for Book Arts saw an impressive gathering of over 200 attendees, including students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community. This event, steeped in history and tradition, offered an enriching experience that celebrated the art of printing and bookmaking. The guests could enjoy live music and a bustling makers market, explore the printing shop, and use one of the center's Vandercook printers under the instruction of Ellen Knudson, a prominent printer from Crooked Letter Press and featured guest of the festival.
The Libraries Open House, a second annual event, attracted a hundred students who enthusiastically embarked on missions to explore the library, interact with librarians, and discover programs and services tailored to their academic needs. The three-hour event took students on an interactive tour of the Wimberly Library and helped them learn how they can use the spaces and services.
University Libraries remain steadfast partners on campus, consistently going the extra mile to welcome and engage students. By embracing modern interactive strategies, they ensure that exploring the library is a fun and engaging experience for all. In doing so, they play a pivotal role in supporting student success and reinforcing the libraries as essential hubs of knowledge and connection on campus.
As the academic year progresses, students can rest assured that University Libraries will continue to be a trusted ally in their educational journey, offering resources, events, and an inviting atmosphere that fosters learning and growth.
