First-generation college students have a profound impact both inside and outside the classroom on the strategic goals of universities, yet in-depth, firsthand information about their experiences is difficult for researchers and university administrators to find. Academic librarians and archivists can contribute to correcting this imbalance by capturing and preserving the lived stories of this largely under-recognized group. This presentation shares case studies from two universities where libraries and archives have undertaken initiatives to document first-generation student narratives through the creation of oral histories. The presenters will discuss how these types of projects can contribute to first-generation student success and how administrators and others in higher education can support similar programs at their own institutions.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:

• learn multiple approaches to capturing first-generation student voices and shared experiences; and 
• understand how to partner with university archives to connect with first-generation students.