Forging inroads between libraries and academic, multicultural and student services

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the prospects and benefits of collaborating with student services organizations in order to integrate information literacy and instruction services into pre-existing academic programs and services. Design/methodology/approach - The paper begins with a literature review of recent library collaborations with student services areas such as international student centers, study abroad, multicultural student services, career services and writing centers, and then outlines a general rubric employed at the University of Illinois used to develop, implement and assess library partnerships with these student services units. Findings - A current literature review reveals a new and often overlooked information literacy niche that exists within the student services realm. These collaborations are generally welcomed by the partners, heighten students' access to information, and incorporate information literacy objectives into students' lives beyond the classroom. Practical implications - This paper highlights an often overlooked area in student services units for collaboration on information literacy programming and the number of positive associated outcomes. Originality/value - This paper describes a new and unique approach to connecting students with the library's services beyond the traditional faculty-based approach.