Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

“I Want My Prc”: Engagement Of Undergraduates With And Assessment Of The Peer Research Consultant Program, Karlene T. Clark, Avery Breiland

Librarian Publications

Purpose

This paper describes the benefits found in undergraduate students working to provide research assistance to their peers. The discussion includes how soft skills are built, along with how the position has aided in both educational and building towards their future careers. The paper is submitted for the special issue on “The future of peer-led research services.”

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a viewpoint from both a peer research supervisor and a student currently working as a PRC. The paper covers the requirements and implementations at the beginning of the program along with the changes that have occurred to better streamline …

Development, Implementation And Importance Of An Undergraduate Peer Research Consultant Program At The University Of North Dakota’S Chester Fritz Library, Karlene T. Clark, Holly Gabriel, Kristen Borysewicz

Librarian Publications

Purpose: This paper describes both the development of a peer research consultant program – using student assistants to staff the reference desk with minimal supervision while providing high quality research assistance to their undergraduate peers, and the steps taken to create buy-in for the program from campus and librarians.

Design / methodology / approach: The authors provide a description of peer reference services and describe how a remodel of the library building facilitated a redesign of services. The paper covers the process of developing program guidelines, securing funding, expectations of peer research consultants, the training process, and lessons …