Pop-up Library at the University of Birmingham: Extending the reach of an Academic Library by taking 'The Library' to the students.

Abstract

Aligning with student engagement and promotional strategies, a Pop-up Library project was initiated at the University of Birmingham. This involved setting up temporary, staffed stalls in different locations across campus in order to informally communicate with students and effectively take ‘the Library’ to them. This article discusses the planning and implementation of the Pop-up Library, including the rationale for the initiative. Details are given of the stalls themselves, the wide range of staff involved, the many locations trialled, the promotional materials used, and the ways in which the venture was advertised and subsequently evaluated. Results of a questionnaire used on the stalls are presented. Conclusions are drawn as to the effectiveness of the Pop-up Library as a communication tool, with particular emphasis on breaking down barriers between students and library staff, and proactively raising students’ awareness of the many ways Library Services can enhance their learning.