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Serving large populations of at-risk, first-generation, and low-income students, open access institutions face unique challenges regarding student retention. Academic libraries with intentional outreach programs are a valuable element of a comprehensive institutional retention plan targeted to the unique student population of open access institutions. This article presents the collaborative approach of an intentional library outreach program developed by the Clark Memorial Library at Shawnee State University in the Appalachian region of Ohio. The plan intentionally supports the retention of first-year students, many of whom are classified as first-generation, academically underprepared, or otherwise at-risk. Guided by the Learning and Outreach Librarian and achieved through campus collaborations, the outreach program facilitates intentional engagement opportunities such as orientation activities, in-class visits, embedded reference hours, events, workshops, and assessment projects to support campus-wide retention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collections of the Southern Highland Craft Guild are available to visitors at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina. Here visitors can explore library and archival materials that document traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, as well as southern Appalachian history and culture. The educational experience is enhanced through the Folk Art Center's rotating gallery exhibits, crafting demonstrations, and other educational and outreach events. Serials Review visits the center to learn about the library's history, collections, procedures, and initiatives. Serials Review 2011; 37:120-122. (c) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]