The OU’s Double-Award Winning Library

The OU Library was recently awarded not one, but two distinctions in teaching and student support. The Live Engagement and Engagement and Insight teams both received OU Teaching Awards for Excellence in Developing Students’ Academic and Learning Skills in February 2019.

Recognising the Live Engagement team’s impact on student learning, the judging panel remarked on the evidence of excellent team work behind supporting students and developing study skills. Two examples illustrating this impact: Adobe Connect data indicates that students who attend live online training sessions are 10-15% more likely to complete their module of study, and a 95% reduction in study skills referrals for one module. The team’s work delivering research and study skills instruction via Facebook Live, Adobe Connect, and within course modules was also commended by an external examiner for delivering a pioneering venture with excellent outcomes.

The Library’s Engagement and Insight team also won a Teaching Award for developing and working with the Library Student Research Panel. The panel, established in 2012, is recognised in the University as an example of best practice and an initiative that has been replicated by other departments. Close contact with a group of 500 students who have elected to participate allows the Library to work with students as co-creators, engaging with them on a range of initiatives from major change projects and incremental improvements. A key success to the Library Student Panel has been how the team has successfully ‘closed the loop’ with the research conducted; playing back the findings to the panel members and informing them what we will do with their feedback.

The team are delighted to have their work recognised in this way and are inspired to seek out new ways of supporting OU students in the future.