Outreach programming can be an alternative form of instruction where students can connect and learn from the librarian about library resources, while also teaching the librarian about campus and student life. Connecting with students outside the library and being invited into student centered spaces, such as cultural centers or student organizations create unique dynamics between students and librarians that can often result in deeper and longer lasting connections. Citing past and ongoing programs that have came out of collaborations between the libraries and the University of Iowa's Cultural Centers this session will explain how outreach to cultural centers can be a valuable teaching and learning opportunity that goes both ways. Understanding and reflecting on one's own positionality, either as part of the dominant group or role of authority, can help attendees assess the impact of their own work with student communities, especially whom are from vulnerable and underserved backgrounds, that may hopefully lead to more enhanced and genuine student-librarian collaborations.
