Fostering Collaborations to Support Adult Learners in Research and Writing

Abstract

Many adult learners at Indiana University Northwest were unsuccessful in writing research papers. After a general discussion about this problem between the Coordinator of Library Instruction and the Coordinator of Academic Advising and Tutoring of TRIO Student Support Services, a collaboration was born. The two departments decided to combine their expertise to help students succeed in writing research papers. Initially each department offered workshops separately and the attendance was low. After combining skills and expertise into one session, not only did students attend, but they continued to seek help from the library and Student Support Services on future assignments. This paper will discuss the collaboration between the library and Student Support Services in addressing the needs of adult learners in writing research papers and the evolution of that collaboration.