Graduate Students to the Rescue: Expanding Research Help Through Peer-to-Peer Connections
- Conference Year
- Online Northwest 2026
- Session
- 3
- Type
- Breakout Session
- Presenters
- Chelsea Riddle, Central Washington University
- Abstract
Redefining collaboration and reimagining connections are how we build stronger student community in the academic library. At Central Washington University, our Peer Research Consultant (PRC) program puts these ideas into action by training graduate students to be accessible, peer-to-peer research partners for undergraduates, effectively expanding research services for the student community during nontraditional hours. This session shares how we proactively managed change within the program, detailing how we implemented key components like a Canvas training course and structured mentorship to successfully reframe communications around research help. Attendees will leave with practical, actionable strategies for building peer-led service models, including concrete examples of the personnel, planning, and communications frameworks needed to successfully launch or scale a similar program. This session offers valuable insight for libraries exploring innovative, community-based service models.