Art Show Paints a Collaborative Picture: Increasing Engagement in a Pharmacy and Health Sciences Library

Abstract

Objective: To increase student, staff, and faculty engagement with the health sciences library. Methods: Faculty, staff, and students were encouraged to create pharmacy-themed artworks and submit them to the library for entry into an art show. A two-hour art show and gala were planned for library patrons to view art pieces submitted by faculty, staff, and students. Participation data was collected during the event and compared to previous programming held at the health sciences library. Results: The PharmArt program determined a metric of demonstrable success would show as an uptick in participation; both physical and digital, when compared against previous library events. Physical participation was measured through program attendance and art piece submission. Participating demographics were represented by all target populations of faculty, staff, and students with a total increase of 52 participants (347% increase) over the previous event. Engagement through social media showed a considerable increase in clicks (2224%), shares (1200%), and overall reach (24%) within the school community. Conclusions: Incorporating student, staff, and faculty art works into a library-hosted event increased participation in a library program compared to previous library programming. Attendance and Social Media engagement increased considerably. Faculty, librarians, and students were brought together to share a common creative interest and to promote a casual atmosphere in which cross-curricular ideas could be discussed among attendees.