Students Speak Up at #GelmanTownHall

The university community engages with library staff in Twitter discussion.

February 12, 2014

Gelman Library entrance steps

By Brittney Dunkins

The staff of the George Washington University Librairies and members of the university community gathered on Twitter for the inaugural #GelmanTownHall on Monday.

Led by student liaison Ty Miranda, the virtual dialogue was an opportunity for the students to weigh in on library services, offer positive comments and provide suggestions for enhancing resources.

"#GelmanTownHall gave us some great feedback,” University Librarian and Vice Provost for Libraries Geneva Henry said. “We appreciate everyone's great suggestions, ideas and questions.”

“We're here for the GW community,” she added.

In addition to library staff, participants in #GelmanTownHall included representatives from the Student Association, the Writing Center, Eckles Library, university administrators and students.

The event was a part of the library’s ongoing efforts to engage with the university community as a hub of student life for collaboration, research and learning.

The renovated entrance floor, which includes updated learning and research resources, a reading terrace and an interactive learning commons, debuted last fall garnering university-wide praise.

"We are trying to reach students on their level, and we really want to hear their feedback,” Ms. Miranda said.

Given the success of first #GelmanTownHall, the library hopes to expand its social media engagement with students, Ms. Henry said.

“We’ll be working to address the issues that were raised,” Ms. Henry said.