Using Business Student Consultants to Benchmark and Develop a Library Marketing Plan

Abstract Students in a year-long capstone business course, serving as “consultants” to librarians, prepared a marketing plan in preparation for a move into a new library building at California State University at San Marcos (CSUSM). The project goal was to have a marketing plan as well as a communication and planning tool as the library moved. Across all measures, students were significantly more aware of library services and collections than faculty. The students' recommendations were valuable in planning activities. The student consultant team provided a valuable service to the library and gained valuable insight into the complexities of managing an academic library.