The Library Whiteboard

So far this year, the questions have been light-hearted. 

• Where did you come from?
• Draw a self-portrait.
• What organizations might you join?
• Right now, what are you feeling?

But they won't always be. The prompts are meant to provide you a space to be silly, but also to stimulate discussion.

In the past, prompts have included:

• Draw a picture of your pet(s)
• Is feminism relevant today? Why/why not?
• What inspires you?
• Power is...
• How have you changed since high school?
• Syrian refugees:  What should we do?
• What meal from home do you miss most?
• Why are fewer Americans believing God, praying daily, and attending religious services?

Responses have been thoughtful, offended, offending, encouraging, insensitive, creative, and humorous. Forums like this, where you can respond with casualness and some guarantee of anonymity can be freeing and I hope you'll respond with candor, grace, and a willingness to learn from the experiences of others on campus.

If you've ever entered the 2nd floor entrance to the library, you've seen this board in front of the east stairway. If you've ever wanted to post a question--or if your student organization has ever wanted to post a prompt--please know that we in the library encourage you to send your ideas to Paige [underscore] Mann [at] redlands [dot] edu or add them to the board when asked. I'll soon use the board to ask for suggestions.

Paige Mann
Physical Sciences Librarian

Is feminism relevant today? Why/why not? -- What you said

Back in October, I asked people to suggest questions they'd like to see on the Student Engagement Board. Based on these responses I've posted, "What is a life?" and "What meal from home do you miss most?"

This past week, I asked,

Is feminism relevant today? Why/why not?

Responses, were quite varied, representing our different experiences and perspectives. Thank you to everyone who used this space to respond openly and honestly and engaged in brave conversations. It's my hope that we can inform, respectfully challenge, and learn from each other. See for yourself. Click on the images to view a larger version, and look for a related article (forthcoming) by Livvy Fore in the Redlands Bulldog.

Based on your responses, issues facing our nation, university campuses, and our own campus, this week's question is 

What's needed on campus to help all feel included?

Although the question is vague, I ask you to share your vision for what's needed on this campus so that everyone can thrive and experience a sense of belonging, inclusion, safety, and empowerment.

Syrian Refugees -- What you said

Nearly every week, I pose a question on a dry-erase board near the entrance of the library. It's the Library's way of engaging with students, learning from you, and providing a space where you can learn from each other. Last week, we asked,

"Syrian Refugees:  What Should We Do?"

Moved by some of your thoughtful responses, I wanted to keep the conversation open by posting what you wrote.

Some are harder to read so here are a few close ups.

Thank you for your honesty and willingness to respond to a complex question.

Paige

Paige Mann

Physical Sciences Librarian/Web Experiences Librarian

What is the Student Engagement Board?

Have you noticed Armacost Library’s new Student Engagement Board?

Okay, it’s just a “rolling-magnetic-reversible-dry-erase-board.” But doesn't Student Engagement Board sound better? It’s currently stationed on the 2nd floor just adjacent to the east staircase. Armacost Library wants to ask informal (and sometimes amusing) questions to get to know our students (this means YOU!) and interact in a casual way. You may also see announcements of current library events listed on the board. We started out by requesting that you summon your artistic side and draw your pet (insert poodle, turtle, hissing cockroach, here). Last week we asked you what you like about college—feedback in the form of sarcasm and silliness are welcome. Do you like your instructors? Don’t you just love the library? (What an awesome place)! What about the double-half-caf-soy-extra-large-Frappuccino?

Be on the lookout for more scintillating questions in the weeks to come. Do you have any suggestions for questions we might ask? Contact Paige_Mann@redlands.edu with your thoughts and ideas. Or, feel free to post a comment below. Have a great day!


Submitted by Rebecca Clayton, Acquisitions/Cataloging Assistant
Photo by Debbie Alban, Administrative Assitant