Empowering First-Generation Students to Succeed
Academic libraries are playing an increasingly critical role in aiding first-generation college students, implementing programs designed to more closely meet their specific needs. Institutions such as Emory University, Earlham College, and Chapman University have developed creative strategies that deliver vital resources and open pathways for achievement. These efforts underscore the transformative influence of libraries in advancing inclusion and fostering a sense of belonging.
Emory University Libraries’ revamped Textbook Lending program has become a pillar of their dedication to minimizing financial obstacles for underserved learners. Initially established in 2016 as a grassroots effort by the First-Generation Low-Income Partnership (FLIP), the program has expanded beyond its volunteer-led beginnings. Through collaboration with Emory Libraries and the Campus Life/ Emory First initiative, it has matured into a fully institutionalized offering.
The service enables students to borrow essential textbooks for high-enrollment courses via the Woodruff Library Course Reserves system. Borrowers can access physical textbooks for three-hour intervals, offering flexibility while maintaining availability of high-demand items. After a pilot expansion in fall 2024, the program now encompasses a wider array of classes and continues to prioritize physical copies due to limitations on digital textbook licensing.
This endeavor augments other university efforts, including FLIP’s donation-based book collection at the on-campus Bread Coffeehouse. Together, these initiatives improve access to educational materials, ensuring first-generation and lowincome students are equipped to thrive.
The Lilly Library at Earlham College delivers a tailored approach to learner assistance through the Library Immersion Fellowship Team (LIFT) Program. Designed to smooth the transition to college, the program connects small groups of first-generation students with a dedicated research librarian for a ten-week, one-credit tutorial during their first semester.
During weekly meetings, students participate in activities that enhance research and digital literacy. The curriculum features discussions on current events, instruction in platforms like Zotero and JSTOR, and digital storytelling projects using audio and video editing tools. These sessions not only build academic capabilities but also foster a supportive peer network and meaningful relationships with faculty.
“I didn’t come from an academic home that could help me with this,” Kendra Parker, an Earlham and LIFT alumni, said in a press release. “These people showed me the ropes—they were always available for me to call and I feel like I would not be successful without them.”
The LIFT Program also serves as an entry point to Earlham’s Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, which prepares underrepresented students for graduate studies. Approximately 60% of McNair Scholars began their journeys as LIFT participants who can also apply for an immersive, fully funded study abroad experience at the end of their first year. Previous cohorts have traveled to destinations such as Scotland, Italy, and Germany, providing life-changing opportunities for personal and academic growth.
At Chapman University, the Leatherby Libraries play a pivotal role in the First-Generation Promising Futures Program, which honors and supports those without familial academic backgrounds. The highlight in 2024 was a campuswide engagement with the book “First Gen: A Memoir” by Alejandra Campoverdi, a Harvard graduate and former White House aide to President Barack Obama. The memoir, chronicling Campoverdi’s experience as a firstg-eneration student, provided a basis for discussions on resilience, identity, and social advancement.
Participants, including students, faculty, and staff, received complimentary copies of the book. The initiative culminated in Campoverdi’s visit in September 2024, during which she shared her story and interacted with the university community. The program emphasized the importance of first-generation narratives while cultivating greater campuswide understanding and solidarity.
These initiatives exemplify how academic libraries can rise to meet the needs of first-generation students. By addressing issues such as textbook affordability, skill building, and community connection, libraries are uniquely positioned to empower these learners and reduce resource disparities. By embedding such programs into broader institutional priorities, colleges can ensure that enrollees receive the support, tools, and encouragement necessary to excel.
