The UCR Library’s first-ever Open House, held October 6 and 7 at the Tomás Rivera and Raymond L. Orbach libraries, was designed to give students a strong start with the resources that support their success.
Students checked in with their R’Card, received a passport, and collected stamps at ten stations around Rivera or Orbach. Those who finished earned UCR Library swag, snacks, and an emailed certificate of participation.
The Open House was the vision of University Librarian Dr. Mihoko Hosoi, who joined UCR Library last October. It was one of the first ideas she brought with her, and it filled a gap in the Library’s programming: an event built to welcome students at the start of the year and introduce them to everything the Library offers. She appointed the Library Open House Committee to bring it to life. “I want every student to know the Library is here for them from day one. Student success is at the heart of everything we do,” shared Dr. Hosoi. “I hope a student’s Open House visit leads to many more throughout their time at UCR.”
Every station highlighted a different Library service, resource, or space available to students. At both libraries, students learned how to check out books, bike locks, and chargers. They also learned how to find librarian-curated research guides in their major, use UC Library Search, ask the UCR Library for help, book a study room, and much more.
The event was planned by the Library Open House Committee, led by Student Success and Engagement Librarian Carrie Cruce. Committee members included Special Collections Public Services Coordinator Karen Raines, Distinctive Collections Cataloging Librarian Zoë Nissen, Access Services & Billing Assistant Grecia Lizaola-Velazquez, Digital Scholarship Librarian Jing Han, and Library student workers Adalie Landa and Daniel Vadillo Rodriguez. It took the whole Library to make the event a success, though. Most UCR Library staff members volunteered to run the stations in hourly shifts, with many signing up for more than one, and some Library student workers also took shifts alongside them.
The Library’s work goes hand-in-hand with what faculty hope for their students: strong research skills, confidence in finding and using reliable information, and the habit of asking for help when they need it. By introducing students to these resources early, the Library Open House supports the learning that happens in the classroom. Some instructors even offered their students extra credit for attending, or made Library Open House participation a course requirement.
In all, 484 student participants joined us for the Open House, a strong turnout for an inaugural event, and students noticed our welcoming spirit. One student said, “Everyone was so nice and friendly and you guys were very thorough with explaining each station.” Another shared, “I liked how everyone was so nice and welcoming.” A third appreciated “the ability to see all parts of the library and the friendliness of the staff.”
We hope this introduction to UCR Library is the start of a lasting connection that supports students throughout their academic careers and contributes to creating a sense of belonging for students.