• Abstract
• Presentation (28 pages)

“In order to remain motivated, students need to be able to make clear connections between the curriculum and the real world, and how the new knowledge and skills will impact them.” (Horizon Report, 2016)

In a tertiary sector which is moving to provide deeper learning approaches there are exciting opportunities for primary source research libraries to shine. At Macmillan Brown Library there has been a strong tradition of library staff working closely with faculty to embed primary source literacy into teaching across many subject areas. Furthermore a rapidly growing internship programme gives an opportunity for students to work alongside librarians, archivists and curators on various aspects of the collections.

What is driving this demand? Following the Canterbury Earthquakes, the University of Canterbury was forced to take a good hard look at how best to attract students back to the university. One of the solutions has been the development of a Graduate Profile that ensures students graduate with attributes such as connectedness to communities, bicultural competency and employability. Macmillan Brown Library has a strong Māori and Pacific focus and holds rich published and unpublished documentary history collections and artworks. When paired with specialist knowledge, they become powerful tools for teaching critical interpretative, analytical and creative skills that will serve students well throughout their lives.  

This session will share the types of learning experiences Macmillan Brown Library provides. What makes this work successful? What challenges do we face? And most of all, what can we learn from the students?