Outreach Programs for Graduates in Top Academic Libraries in China

Series of communicational, interactive, and educational outreach services in academic libraries for graduates during the period immediately preceding graduation are well-established and expressed in broad and diverse ways annually, particularly in China. However, the literature documenting their development and details is scant, and reports and research are lacking. The study aims to investigate series of activities and programs offered and conducted by university libraries for this distinct user population to enhance library services, strengthen relationships, alleviate graduation pressure, and develop an ideal atmosphere on campus. The research is based on a survey of the 114 websites of top university libraries in China1. The survey revealed several outreach initiatives and major programs and issues occurring during the graduation season. The projects undertaken at China's university libraries can be adapted or adopted by others interested in developing their own diversity initiatives for graduates and enhancing their efforts in this area. The findings and implications in practice are applicable to the wider audience of national and international libraries.