September 24, 2020
Reflections: 2020 Graduate Student Research Institute
On Friday, September 4, the UW Libraries capped off its final session of the 2020 Graduate Student Research Institute (GSRI), a free and asynchronous five-day online workshop aimed at helping UW graduate students learn the tools and strategies they need to research “smarter, not harder.” First developed by the Libraries’ Instructional Design & Outreach Services team in 2016, GSRI has become a core part of the Libraries’ strategy for supporting students online, not only by providing students with flexible Canvas learning modules that address their needs, but by matching students with trained library mentors and disciplinary peer groups to build community across programs.
This year, GSRI registered a record-breaking 561 graduate students from across all three UW campuses, and was supported by over 30 librarians and staff who provided guidance and answered questions in both Slack and Zoom. Through post-event evaluations students commented on the benefits of the event:
“There was so much content covered over just the course of a week, and a ton of resources for connecting with both UW Library staff and databases.”
“GSRI has really helped my mental health at this time. The library team really rocks during ordinary times and I needed to be reminded that you are here for us during these extraordinary times.”
“GSRI was incredibly helpful, and really well organized.”
Staff volunteers were equally effusive about their experience supporting students, citing the unique opportunity to interact meaningfully with students in ways that meet their needs.
“The most positive moments for me were the moments when I felt I was making an authentic connection with a student,” wrote one 2020 mentor. “GSRI’s mix of things is a strength. Canvas and Slack. Synchronous and asynchronous. We’re all Zoom weary, so having things mixed up keeps people engaged.”
The Libraries continues to review feedback from experiences like GSRI 2020 in shaping the design of its quarterly online workshops, examples of which include Podcasting and Research Data Management. To learn more about GSRI, visit the 2020 public course site or email uwlibidteam@uw.edu.
UW Libraries hosts workshops, trainings and open office hours on a wide range of topics throughout the year to support all students– from digital media production, data management, publishing, research, writing support and more.
Check out and subscribe to the Libraries calendar, and follow our social media for updates on events throughout the year.
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