Feedback from Library Instruction Interviews

Post on 18-Dec-2014

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description

Highlights some of the main ideas from interviews the ISU Coordinator of Instruction conducted with other librarians who are required to teach library instruction sessions. It shares thoughts on the purpose of library instruction, what librarians do and do not like about giving instruction, and some ideas for future instruction meetings/improving our instruction program.

transcript

Feedback InterviewsThe Highlights

Purpose of Library InstructionWords: acquaint, teach, make approachable,

comfortable, public relations, find reliable resources

“To make the Library more approachable and make sure our resources are used and used appropriately.”

“So students can succeed.”“Foster life-long learning and critical

thinking.”“Help users become more comfortable using

our resources.”“Finding and evaluating information.”

Perceived impactMore effective at point of need [said more than

once]“Instructors seem to think we are providing a

useful service.”“I like to think we are helping them and not

boring them.” [reiterated]“Once we get our hands on students, they do

better.”“[Students] are more comfortable in the Library

after having come here for instruction.”Reference questions becoming more complex.

Impact continuedTime = biggest deterrent for maximum

impactKnowing the studentsTeach at an academic levelGood teaching = lead to the greatest impactLibrary instruction = most important thing

we do in the LibraryGreater impact = when we meet the

students’ needsCommunication & feedback increase impact

Not our favorite thingsStudents have no topic in mindStudent attitudesNot enough timeFeeling futileFrustrationSeas of blank facesPreparation time requiredStudent sense of entitlementBeing in front of people as an authority figure

Things we likeInterested studentsAppreciation from students

and facultyWhen material is received wellLearning the resources better

i.e. improving skillsVariety

More things we likeInteracting with the facultyGetting out of the basement : )Demystifying the LibraryHelping students feel comfortableShowing the big picture

Coordinator of Instruction

The Library’s face for instruction to the rest of the campus community

IdeasReport on instruction program as a whole

(%’s)Promoting instruction as bibliographersFocus on ACRL’s Information Literacy

StandardsLess on teaching methodsMore on teaching methodsShare feedback from interviewsFaculty evaluations: change them?End-of-semester surveysWhat has worked with Cathy & other

colleagues

More ideasEncourage professors to bring students twicePersonal responsibility for teaching classesOffering to correct or grade bibliographiesOutreach to high schoolsOutreach to campusSell instruction programExpand teaching repertoireOffer impromptu workshopsBecome embedded in a class

Even more ideasMaking more ties with the regular facultyLet the Coordinator of Instruction visit

instruction sessions to offer constructive feedback

Address how the English dept. will change the 101 and 102 courses.

Reconsider the Comm.101 workshop plan

The ideal studentEngagedAsks questionsDoes not need too much instructionReceives instruction, runs with it, and wants

to know the implicationsInterestedWants to solve problemsInsatiable learner

Favorite songsLaylaAny Beatles songBeth Nielsen Chapman“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”Songs by the group Nightingale“Downeast Alexa”“And So It Goes”Songs by Billy Joel