Working Title: Experiential Learning in Academic Libraries: A Practical Guide for Student Engagement
Edited by: Brittany Kester, Education Librarian, University of Florida, and Lisa Campbell, Learning and Engagement Librarian, University of Florida
Please send questions to ACRLexperientiallearning@ufl.
We are excited to invite chapter proposals for our forthcoming ACRL book, Experiential Learning in Academic Libraries: A Practical Guide for Student Engagement. This edited volume aims to prepare educators to design and deliver meaningful experiential learning opportunities within their unique academic library contexts. Experiential learning emphasizes learning through direct experience and engaging students in hands-on, real-world activities to deepen understanding and foster critical thinking. Our goal is to provide practical, adaptable strategies that empower academic librarians to engage students in transformative learning experiences.
We welcome proposals that showcase a range of approaches, including case studies highlighting successful initiatives, best practices for integrating experiential learning, pedagogical frameworks that inform teaching and learning, and innovative program models that inspire new possibilities inside and beyond the library classroom.
The book is tentatively divided into the following sections:
- Project-Based Learning Experiences: Capstone projects, client-based assignments, innovation projects, exhibitions, etc.
- Community Service-Based Learning Experiences: Community service projects, civic engagement, volunteering, alternative spring break, living-learning communities, etc.
- Student Research Experiences: Student research projects such as honors theses, independent study, research assistantships or fellowships, etc.
- Professional Learning Experiences: Internships, co-ops, fieldwork, practicums, job shadowing, student-led workshops, peer coaching programs, etc.
- Global Learning Experiences: Study abroad programs, virtual exchanges, international fellowships, etc.
We strongly encourage chapters to incorporate Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, which includes four stages:
- Experiencing: the initial experience
- Reflecting: analyzing and making sense of that experience
- Thinking: forming theories, planning, and connecting ideas
- Acting: applying insights and testing new approaches
Proposals should explore how academic librarians support students through these stages. Chapters included should also highlight culturally competent, accessible, and learner-centered instruction strategies. We encourage ideas beyond the examples listed above.
To submit a proposal, please complete the proposal form by June 1, 2026, at 11:59pm ET.
The form will require:
- Author names, job titles, emails, and institutional affiliations
- A working chapter title
- An abstract up to 500 words
- Link to a current CV or list of publications
Timeline:
- June 2026: Chapter proposals due
- August 2026: Authors notified of acceptance of chapter proposals
- January 2027: Chapter drafts due
- April 2027: Chapter drafts returned to authors for revisions
- July 2027: Final chapter drafts due
Questions? Email us at ACRLexperientiallearning@ufl.
Best regards,
Brittany Kester, PhD, Education Librarian, University of Florida
Lisa Campbell, Learning and Engagement Librarian, University of Florida
