Driving E-Resource Engagement in Academic Libraries

What does it take to get students and faculty not just aware of - but actively using - your library’s e-resources?

This panel brings together library directors from three academic institutions to share how they’ve driven e-resource engagement through discovery enhancements, strategic web development, and collaborative relationships with faculty. Panelists will explore real-world strategies such as optimizing library websites for usability, improving access points in discovery tools, embedding resources in learning management systems, and partnering with faculty to integrate e-resources into coursework. They’ll also share how usage data and benchmarking have informed their decisions, helping them identify gaps, measure success, and demonstrate impact.

Whether you're looking to jumpstart engagement, improve your digital infrastructure, or strengthen instructional partnerships, this session offers adaptable, actionable ideas to apply in your own academic library.

Learning Outcomes:
-  Identify discovery enhancements and web development strategies that effectively drive student and faculty engagement with e-resources.
-  Explore collaborative outreach models for partnering with faculty to embed e-resources into coursework and learning platforms.
-  Learn how to leverage usage data, benchmarking, and community feedback to measure e-resource engagement and inform continuous improvement.

Panelists:
Maria Saldarriaga Osorio, Director of Library Services at Surry Community College
Tim Hunter, Library Director at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Rich Garafolo, Director of Library Services at Cleveland Community College