Programming Spotlights: Advent Health University Library Programs and Outreach Events

Dear Readers,

This month's Programming Spotlights features Advent Health University Library's programming and outreach events. 
I caught up with Jessica Daly, MLS to learn more about these great events.  If you have a program or event that you would like to share with your colleagues, please submit the information to janetchan@usf.edu
Happy Reading! - Janet​

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Dog therapy at Advent Health University Library

Q. What are the most popular events at your library?

A. Therapy Dogs Visit the Library – each trimester we invite therapy dogs to visit our library and be with our students, staff, and faculty during exam times.  This has been such a success that we are now planning to bring them 2 times per trimester.  We coordinate with and use certified therapy dogs who also serve in our Advent Health hospitals across Central Florida.

Rock Painting – classes are scheduled and held for students, staff, and faculty to attend where they can paint rocks and fellowship with one another.  This is incredibly relaxing and a great time for students to meet our staff and librarians in a fun atmosphere.  The week following the event, we keep the rocks and the paint supplies out in the physical library so that others can continue to enjoy this activity. 

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Photo courtesy Advent Health University Library

“Library 101” live webinar events – These 30 minute live Zoom webinars are offered to students from our Orlando campus, our Denver campus, and our online students.  They are scheduled in the evenings so that students who work or have a family may find it easier to attend.  These sessions introduce the library’s services and resources in a very interactive and conversational style.  The goal is to inform students of the amazing resources our library holds as well as the incredibly helpful people whose passion is assisting others.

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Photo Courtesy Advent Health University Library

Monthly Health Literacy live webinars with Orange County Library System-  Each month I present a live webinar for registered participants on a variety of health topics, some of which are suggested by participants!  One of our most popular and well attended sessions was “Adult ADHD”.  This is a great way to partner with our local public library while sharing reputable and timely free online resources with the community!



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Q. How did you develop your partnership with the Orange County library? 

A.   I began by emailing and offering to give talks or share health resources with different leadership and librarians.  Finally after about two years of trying, I was contacted by a librarian who coordinated events within the library branches and I was invited to present at two different branches.  Soon after this relationship began, the Covid-19 pandemic began.  I was contacted by the OCLS and asked if I would be interested in doing health literacy online webinars.  I immediately accepted the invite and have now been a monthly health literacy speaker for well over 2 years!  I work primarily with Rebecca Baichan, Events/Programs Planner, with the OCLS.  She has been a dream to collaborate with each month.  My favorite presentations come from suggestions given by patrons.  Making something like this happen takes perseverance and passion. 

 Q. What advice would you give to anyone who wanted to start a rock painting class in their library?

A. I would tell someone interested in starting a rock painting class or any type of special craft-oriented event, to think about their audience.  Think about the group of patrons you are striving to connect with.  Hold events that will be of interest to the groups you serve.  For instance, we have university students who are often very stressed and overwhelmed with being a student in the health sciences field, so we look for activities and events that will relieve stress or have a calming effect.

Q. Since you started the Library 101 classes have you noticed any changes (statistically or anecdotally) in the way students or staff use or interact with the library?

A. Since starting the Library 101 classes, we have noticed increased interest from our faculty when it comes to the library, which is key for a university or academic library’s success.  When faculty becomes interested in the library, they promote the resources and services of the library to their students.  Faculty members become champions for the library!