Book Clubs for Modeling Interpersonal Skills

Kilham and Griffiths’ (2017) model of book clubs at Quinnipiac University  was envisioned to promote interprofessional communication skills (collaboration and respect) between healthcare students and faculty, creating a space to model conversation. Titles were selected strategically to correspond to curricular events, and were non-fiction; snacks were provided.  Further, there were no repeated discussion times over the course of the academic term; instead, one session was set up to discuss the book. Instead of an author talk, Quinnipiac University Library chose to have expert academics within their community present a commentary on the work. Collaborators included the Center for Interprofessional Communication and the Office of Graduate Affairs. Though their data suggests a positive response to the book club, the authors noted a difficulty in attracting students who already have a busy schedule; this mirrors some of the thoughts and concerns experienced at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Benefits included expanding library services and forging connections with units across campus, which we have noted as well.