In addition to the Student Information Points desks at the main library, at KB library and at KB JCMB, we are undertaking outreach activities. Basically this involves setting up and operating mobile and flexible SIPs at other locations around the University. The University covers a wide area and diverse collection of buildings around the city.
We, the SIP team, have liaised with every service and School (academic dept) across the University and identified locations where it would be useful to have a presence for a day. The locations we are trying first are Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) (at three different buildings), the School of Education at Moray House, the Veterinary School at Easter Bush and also Pollock Halls which are the student halls of residence.
Today was our first outreach at ECA and it was very successful. The SIP assistant who has been liaising with ECA went there for the day and was joined by Student Support Officers from the school. One of the SIP supervisors went along for part of the day too.
The set up is easy - a table and chairs. But we have a large banner, posters and leaflets too plus a laptop. Also the business cards to advertise the text service have just been printed so there were lots of those to give out which are a convenient size. Most importantly sweets - lots of sweets to hand out to students with stickers attached giving details of the SIP.
Another initiative we have at the moment is a design competition (more details to follow) so posters about that were distributed.
The day was very successful and was a great way to raise awareness of what the Student Information Points can do to help and where to find information.
This evening two members of the team were going to Pollock Halls to do the same thing and this has gone very well too. All the supplies of posters, cards and sweets have been been given out and readily accepted.
One of the reasons that the outreach activity is successful is that it is proactive and the SIP supervisors and assistants are very personable with great customer service skills. They strike a very good balance in their approach with friendliness, knowledge and professionalism.
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