"I ❤️ the library because it is a refuge of gentle peace..."
Student Engagement at a Glance!
From hands-on workshops to inspiring author talks and exciting book displays, the 2024–2025 academic year at the Oakton Library was full of energy, creativity, and community. We were proud to collaborate with campus partners to bring powerful speakers to Oakton, including Zee Lacson for Twice Removed, Byron Motley to discuss The Negro Baseball Leagues, and Dr. Velázquez for a compelling talk on community-driven narratives from Puerto Rican Chicago: Schooling the City, 1940-1977.
Students joined us throughout the year for everything from “Cite It Right” and research skills workshops to aromatherapy for wellness during National Library Week. We were especially excited to launch our very first Creating Justice Open Mic Showcase, where students shared their voices and celebrated self-expression.
We hosted a variety of pop-up library events throughout the year, each highlighting powerful themes and genres. From Latine Heritage Month to Native American Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Filipino History Month, and beyond—our pop-up libraries on Student Street showcased curated collections that celebrated the diverse histories, cultures, and voices of these communities. These displays sparked meaningful conversation, promoted awareness, and fostered a greater sense of connection across campus.
This year also marked the launch of our inaugural Oakton Library Student Researcher Award! Congratulations to our first recipients, John Abregana and Alondra Alvarado Muñoz, for their thoughtful and outstanding research. We’re so proud of all the ways our students engaged with the library—and with each other—this year. Here’s to continued growth, discovery, and community in the year ahead!
Saving Students Money Through OER!
In Spring 2024, Librarian Michelle Oh led a Faculty Seminar titled Affordable Textbooks for Student Success, focused on helping faculty reduce the cost of course materials to under $25. As a result, six faculty members completed the seminar, and 15 course sections in Fall 2024 adopted affordable or open educational resources (OER). These efforts saved 191 Oakton students over $19,000 in just one semester.
Community Engagement: Strengthening Connections and Expanding Opportunities!
In the 2024–2025 academic year, Librarian Brittany Coleman deepened Oakton College Library’s role as a community partner by cultivating meaningful relationships. One key example of this work is the Oakton College Library Speakers’ Bureau, which connects faculty experts with public libraries and community organizations. These programs give community members access to timely, relevant learning opportunities while strengthening Oakton’s partnerships across the district.
Brittany also partnered with public libraries to host programs that addressed community needs, including job search strategies, resume writing, social media marketing for small businesses, and a panel on empowering women in business. Collectively, these initiatives reflect the college’s commitment to equity, access, and opportunity—extending resources, strengthening workforce readiness, and encouraging inclusive economic growth across the district.
Expanding Access: Enhancing Our ESL Collection!
Thanks to the generous support of the Innovation & Excellence Foundation grant, the Oakton Library been able to significantly update our ESL collection at Oakton Library, making it easier for non-native English speakers to access the resources they need to succeed. This grant allowed us to address key goals by collaborating with ESL instructors to identify essential titles and resources that are aligned with our students' learning needs.
Our acquisitions include physical books, audiobooks, flashcards, games, and children’s materials, reflecting various learning styles and proficiency levels.
Our updated collection not only supports non-credit English Language Learners but also focuses on helping students develop language skills that are directly relevant to both workforce advancement and academic success. We are committed to offering resources that empower our diverse student population and promote equity and inclusion in higher education.
Many thanks to the Oakton Educational Foundation, Gretchen Schneider, Martinique Haller, and Sylvia Rosillo for their valuable work and dedication in bringing the grant to life.