Beyond the Bachelor's Degree: Supporting First-Generation Students Through Graduate School

Saturday, January 20, 2024

9:40am – 10:10am EST

Location: Baltimore Convention Center, Ideas Xchange Area 1 (LLX Marketplace, Level 100)

Content Leader(s)

Danielle E. Maurici-Pollock (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
University of New Mexico Health Sciences
Rebecca Stallworth (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
Simmons University

Primary Contact(s)

Danielle E. Maurici-Pollock (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
University of New Mexico Health Sciences

First-generation students are a growing yet understudied and underserved group in academia who face challenges navigating systems that assume prior knowledge of academic jargon, structures, and environments. Our research shows that these challenges exist not only for undergraduate students but persist for those students pursuing advanced degrees. What are the potential roles of academic libraries and educators in supporting first-generation graduate students? What are the barriers to providing such support? We’ll share some of our research and invite librarians and LIS educators to contribute ideas, experiences, and best practices for working with first-generation graduate students and those considering graduate education.

Learning Objectives:

Identify first-generation student information needs when applying to or attending graduate school.
Exploring the role that academic libraries play in supporting first-generation students.
Brainstorm academic library services to support first-generation students.