ESULA: changing perceptions of the academic library through student activism

Purpose – The influences of electronic information access and social networking through Facebook and other communications have, in many respects, lessened the relative importance of going to the library building as a physical place and space. Changes in general college/university culture such as fewer residential students and more non‐traditional students contribute in turn to a disconnect with library resources and services. The Emporia State University Libraries and Archives (ULA) have discovered an approach that not only helps in promoting services and resources, but also offers undergraduate and graduate students a training ground in leadership and mentoring of fellow students. This paper aims to focus on the issues.