Perspectives on Presentation and Perception of Libraries on Admissions Campus Tours

Abstract

This article examines the presentation of libraries during admissions campus tours at a large public university. Perspectives from tour guides, librarians, and admissions staff are considered through an analysis of tour observations and interviews. Tour guides’ statements about the libraries varied, but mostly indicated that they viewed the libraries as positive and valuable places. This article reveals opportunities for collaboration between academic libraries and admissions departments to ensure that tours present information that aids prospective students in understanding the library’s role on a university campus, feeling welcome and comfortable in the library space, and envisioning themselves using the library.

Keywords

• library marketing
• library outreach
• academic libraries
• library tours
• campus tours