Utah Tech University’s library launched the Trailblazer Reads program in 2017. This program allows students, faculty and staff to recommend books they love to the library in hopes that their recommendation will make it into the library’s collection. This program lets the campus community directly influence on what is available in the library.
The Trailblazer Reads program invites students to check out recommended books for a chance to win $70 toward a spring semester textbook and lunch with the library dean. Each book read equals one entry, with an extra five entries available for submitting written comments at the circulation desk. A new winner is drawn at the beginning of each spring semester. There’s no limit to the number of books students can read to enter the drawing.
Eva Sanchez, librarian, head of public services and program director, said: “The goal of the program is to provide a bit of library funding to be able to facilitate the buying of new books for the program year to year. It’s also to generate ideas, share inspiring books and encourage students to read for fun by incentivizing participation.”
There are no specific criteria when it comes to submitting recommendations; this aims to create a diverse range of titles. To encourage students to participate, the library utilizes their social media accounts to reach students and campus announcements to reach faculty and staff.
The goal of the entries is to get students to read for pleasure and get out of their comfort zone.
“I think the program [can] pinpoint the need to have books for recreational reading in any library and highlights how much people love reading even when they are students,” Sanchez said.
The potential for building a sense of community for readers across campus becomes apparent as students submit their recommendations. Having a collection of suggested books can strengthen relationships among students and staff.
Shelby Shipley, assistant librarian, highlighted that this initiative could create a sense of community by bringing people together over shared reading interests.
Shipley said: “By discussing these books, participants can build relationships, share diverse perspectives and foster a sense of belonging on campus. Through their recommendations, the campus community can directly impact the library collections, which can foster a sense of belonging by having a place where voices from across campus can be heard.”
Jackelynn Russell, a junior digital media major from Roosevelt, shared that this opportunity makes the library feel more like an engaging environment.
Russell said: “Being able to recommend books allows students to see the library as a dynamic space that reflects their voices and interests, not just a place for academic resources. It feels like the library values student input, which makes it a more welcoming and inclusive environment.”
The Trailblazer Reads program is transforming the library into a space for recreational reading and campus engagement. Encouraging a culture of shared interests and the joy of reading, this program aims to enhance the library’s collection and create a welcoming environment that reflects the voices of the campus community.
