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CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of “,” edited by Jennifer Torreano and Mary O’Kelly. The book is a collection of practices, perspectives, and tools from library leaders who have created and maintained successful research consulting programs, plus thoughtful explorations of the theories and motivations that inform peer learning.

Whether you’re creating a new peer research consulting program in your library or simply looking for fresh ideas for your established program, "Training Research Consultants" will give you an in-depth look at how fifteen different colleges and universities approach this powerful student-to-student learning experience. In four sections—Introduction to Theory and Practice, Library Case Studies, Perspectives from Campus Partners, and Consultant Perspectives—the book covers everything that goes into these increasingly popular research consulting programs: learning theories, the role of research consultants in encouraging student intellectual development, program administration, hiring practices, training, marketing, and assessment. The book ends with two insightful reflections from former research consultants, leaving us with a reminder us of the lasting impact these programs have on the consultants themselves.

Though using different job titles and set in different campus contexts, all the programs profiled here have three core factors in common: empowerment of the student employee, robust training with ongoing support from experienced staff, and unwavering confidence in the strength of peer-to-peer mentoring in higher education. Research consultants bring their unique perspective as students to every conversation, and curiosity is key. They become experts in modeling how to embrace fearless exploration as a key part of learning. Searching can be an adventure, and effective consultants are calm, empathetic, and nimble during consultations, eager to try creative new approaches.

Many of the best practices in library consulting programs are shared by writing centers, speech labs, and library user experience departments, all three of which contribute their knowledge to this book in a way that highlights the rich collaborative opportunities between core academic support services. With important lessons from these critical partners, plus practical and reproducible hiring and training materials from libraries, "Training Research Consultants" will be an important reference for academic libraries of all kinds.

“Training Research Consultants: A Guide for Academic Libraries" is available for purchase in and as an through the 91��ý Online Store; in print through Amazon.com; and by telephone order at (866) 746-7252 in the U.S. or (770) 442-8633 for international customers.

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The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing nearly 10,000 individuals and libraries, ACRL (a division of the 91��ý) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning, transforming scholarship, and creating diverse and inclusive communities. Find ACRL on the , , , , and .