Xavier University of Louisiana constantly strives to offer its students the most innovative resources to ensure an excellent educational experience. Recently, Xavier’s library received a $10,000 Building Library Capacity grant from the American Library Association (ALA) in support of library resources on campus. For over a century, ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating to enhance learning and ensure accessibility for all. Xavier was one of 17 academic libraries that received the grant to increase academic support and achievement of Xavierites. The grant will fund laptops for XULA Library’s newly developed Information Literacy Lab set to open mid-fall 2023.

The Building Library Capacity grant is supported through a three-year grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. The grant bolsters library operations, services, and focuses on adding capacity to libraries, especially those serving marginalized or underrepresented groups in the community.

"Faculty and librarians at Xavier work together to sharpen the information literacy skills of students. Now when students visit the lab with their faculty lead class, the workshops will be more interactive and engaging by using laptops to participate in learning activities,” said Emily Bufford, Xavier librarian. “Students will improve their research skills and gain comprehension of the ways information interacts in their lives and studies, all while supporting them through their academic journeys.” 

Thirty-one percent of Xavier’s freshmen are the first in their family to attend college. This funding will allow the library to further support Xavierites by granting them the opportunity to participate in interactive, hands-on instruction through the information literacy lab. Students will also be able to learn about the library’s available resources.

The lab will be housed on the library’s 2^nd floor and serve as a space where librarians bring the world of information alive for Xavierites. The laptops will allow students to follow along with their lessons, begin research, and participate in additional educational activities. Professors can request instruction in the lab for their classes to receive information literacy sessions. The lab will also include fun, interactive programs introducing information concepts to students in a relaxed atmosphere.

For more information or to request an information literacy lab session, contact Emily Bufford at ebufford@xula.edu