The Power of Popcorn and Putt Putt: Outreach in Academic Libraries

This presentation explores ways for academic libraries to implement outreach activities to engage students, promote library spaces and resources, increase library use, and collaborate with cross-campus organizations. The B.D. Owens Library at Northwest Missouri State University has reworked its previous methods of outreach during the 2024-2025 academic year by revamping old events, creating new outreach activities, and increasing our passive programs during heavy traffic times of year. Outreach activities have been a key tool in increasing library traffic and awareness while increasing the circulation of our underutilized materials. Through feedback and statistics, we continue to look at ways to improve and expand our events. Libraries are often seen as purely quiet, academic places that can be unapproachable to some students. This presentation will show how a library can foster collaboration and create a welcoming environment for all. Attendees will hear about three successful events, campus collaboration opportunities, benefits and challenges, improvements, and marketing samples. Outreach activities will also be requested from the audience.