DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

 

 

LIS 764 LIBRARY USER INSTRUCTION

 

 

Spring 2008

Mondays

6:00 – 9:00 pm

Parmer 113

 

 

Instructor:             Molly Beestrum                  

Crown, Rm. 113  

(708) 524-6886

mbeestrum@dom.edu

 

Office Hours:             By appointment

 

Class Wiki:                 http://DUinstructinglibrarians.pbwiki.com

 

 

Course Description

An introduction to the principles of information literacy with two emphases: 1) developing a conceptual framework for library user education, including an overview of learning theory, teaching methods, and instructional design; and 2) applying the theory in practical library teaching/learning situations.

 Objectives:

  • To review the history of user education in libraries and to examine current views concerning its future development
  • To apply learning theory and critical thinking concepts to library user education
  • To understand the different methods of user education and their applicability in different types of libraries
  • To use library technology in the teaching process
  • To design and present parts of a library user education program
  • To become familiar with some of the major literature in the field and some of the major resources for instruction

 

 

 

 

Course Requirements

1. Required Readings/Participation/Interlocutor Leader: (20%)

 1.a. Assigned Readings: Assigned readings for the course include material from books, journal articles, and web sites.  Class discussions will draw heavily from these readings so it will be important to complete the assigned readings before each class session.

 1.b. Participation in Class Discussions and Activities: You are expected to attend and participate in every class session.  As many of our classes will include instruction sessions by class members, active participation and attention during these sessions is expected.  Through class discussion, instruction sessions, and activities we will learn from each other.

 1.c. Interlocutor Discussion Leader: Each student will be responsible for leading the discussion for one reading.  I will provide a sign-up sheet with readings and dates.  Students are expected to prepare discussion questions and/or an activity for the class that highlights the main points of the article as it relates to library instruction.  Place on spending between 20-30 minutes leading the discussion (I will ask the interlocutor to wrap up after 25 minutes but interlocutors are responsible for monitoring time also). Articles followed by an asterisk (*) are available for Interlocutor Discussion. See also the Interlocutor page. 

 2. Individual Instruction Sessions: Instruction sessions are the best way to learn how to teach - by teaching and by observing others teach - so students have plenty of opportunity to learn.  Each student will give three instruction sessions during the term as described below.  The instruction sessions will be videotaped so that you can observe and critique your own instruction.  Due to the number of students in the course, I will strictly enforce the time limits so please plan accordingly.  (Total: 55%)

2.a. The first two presentations will be brief instructional orientations (5-7 minutes) on a variety of information sources available at a library or information center.

Presentation 1: Online Catalog Workshop - February 4 and February 11 

Presentation 2: Electronic Database Workshop - March 10 and March 17

Brief Instruction Session Guidelines will be distributed in class and posted on the Instruction Session Information page.  A brief paper including the intended audience and session objectives is required the day of the session. (15% each)  

 

2.b. Presentation 3 will be a longer instruction session (individual presentation 15-18 minutes, team presentations 30-36 minutes) on a topic and resource(s) of your choosing.  For this session, you should prepare for a particular type of user instruction (e.g., introductory workshop, course-related instruction, instruction a particular library technology) geared toward an audience of your choosing.  The intent is to prepare and present a more detailed and comprehensive instruction session than the two described in 2.a. A paper that discusses goals, objectives, instructional methods, and expected outcomes of the instruction session must also be prepared and turned in on the day of your session.  Refer to the guidelines distributed in class and on the Instruction Session Information page for evaluation criteria and additional information.

Presentation 3: April 7, April 14, and April 21  (25%)

 

3. Literature Review and Synthesis Paper: Select a topic related to library user education that interests you and meets the approval of the instruction.  Conduct a focused literature review on the topic. Read the literature carefully and the analyze, compare, and synthesize your findings in a 6-7 page paper.  Attach a bibliography of your sources (suggested 12-15 sources).

Literature Review Due Date: April 14 (20%)

 4. Videotape critique: After completing all of the instructional presentations, review your videotaped sessions and prepare a one-page critique in which you highlight and summarize the strengths and weaknesses of your presentations (i.e. delivery, organization, content, etc).  A set of questions to help frame and focus your discussion will be provided. Your Videotape Critique is Due: April 28 (5%)

Note Regarding Late Assignments and Instruction Sessions: Assignments are due at the beginning of the class sessions on the date indicated.  Late assignments will be accepted but the grade will be lowered a half a grade for each day it is late.  Please notify me in advance if you know you will have difficulty meeting a deadline.  Instruction Sessions are scheduled in advance so please be thoughtful when selecting session dates.  If something unforeseen arises - illness, family emergency, etc, please notify me as soon as possible.  You will be allowed to make up the session at another time with or without penalty at my discretion. 

Academic Honesty and Integrity: "All students of the GSLIS are expected to observe high standards of academic honesty and integrity.  Any student whose conduct violates such standards may be subject to disciplinary action as determined by due process." (GSLIS Bulletin, pg. 48) Translation: Don't cheat, don't plagiarize. 

 

Course Schedule

 

Week 1: January 14 

Overview of the Course & Introductions

What is Library User Instruction?

Examination of Information Literacy Standards

  

Week 2: January 21

Instructional Design and Needs Assessment

Instructional Goals and Objectives

 

Readings:   

Grassian, Esther, S. and Joan R. Kaplowitz. "Chapter 7: ILI Program Planning." Information Literacy Instruction: Theory and Practice. New York: Neal Schuman, 2001.

 

Manuel, Kate. "Teaching Information Literacy to Generation Y," Journal of Library Administration 36 (Winter 2002): 195-217. 

(Password: teach) *

 

 

Week 3: January 28

Learning Theory Concepts

Teaching and Learning Styles

Cognitive Development

 

Readings:

Grassian, Esther, S. and Joan R. Kaplowitz. "Chapter 3: A Brief Introduction to Learning Theory." Information Literacy Instruction: Theory and Practice. New York: Neal Schuman, 2001. 

 

Grassian, Esther, S. and Joan R. Kaplowitz. "Chapter 4: An overview of Learning Styles." Information Literacy Instruction: Theory and Practice. New York: Neal Schuman, 2001. 

 

  

Week 4: February 4

Instruction Session 1 - Online Catalog

Library Anxiety

 

Readings:

Kuhlthau, Carol Collier. "Developing a Model of the Library Search Process: Cognitive and Affective Aspects," RQ (Winter 1988): 232-242. * (Print Periodicals Collection)

 

Mellon, Constance A. "Library Anxiety: A Grounded Theory and its Development." College and Research Libraries 47.2 (1986): 160-5 *

 

 

Week 5: February 11

Instruction Session 1 - Online Catalog

Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Instruction

 

Readings:

Facione, Peter. Critical Thinking: What it is and Why it Counts. California Academic Press, 2006.  

 

Albitz, Rebecca S. "The What and Who of Information Literacy and Critical Thinking in Higher Education." Portal 7.1 (2007): 97-109 *

 

Klusek, Louise, and Jerry Bornstein. "Information Literacy Skills for Business Careers: Matching Skills to the Workplace." Journal of Business and Finance Librarianship 11.4 (2006): 3-21 *

 

 

Week 6: February 18

Active Learning and Information Literacy in Practice

 

Readings:

Cheney, Debora. "Problem-Based Learning: Librarians as Collaborators and Consultants." Portal 4.4 (2004): 495-508*

 

Hollister, Christopher V., and Jonathan Coe. "Current Trends Vs. Traditional Models: Librarians' Views on the Methods of Library Instruction." College and Undergraduate Libraries 10.2 (2003): 49-63 *

 

Smith, Stefan A. "Designing Collaborative Learning Experiences for Library Computer Classrooms." College and Undergraduate Libraries 11.2 (2004): 65-83 *

 

Spence, Larry. "The Usual Doesn't Work: Why We Need Problem-Based Learning." Portal 4.4 (2004): 485-93 *

 

  

Week 7: February 25

Methods and Tools for Teaching and Learning

 

Readings:

Bordonaro, Karen and Gillian Richardson. "Scaffolding and Reflection in Course-Integrated Library Instruction." The Journal of Academic Librarianship 30 (Sept. 2004): 391-401 *

 

McGuigan, Glenn S. "Databases vs. The Web: A Discussion of Teaching the use of Electronic Resources in the Library Instruction Session." Internet Reference Services Quarterly 6.1 (2001): 39-47 *

Spring Break: March 5 - NO CLASS

 

Week 8: March 10

Instruction Session 2 - Electronic Database

Technology in Teaching and Learning

 

Readings:

Achterman, Doug. "Beyond Wikipedia." Teacher Librarian 34.2 (2006): 19-22 *

 

Crowther, Karmen N. T., and Alan H. Wallace. "Delivering Video-Streamed Library Orientation on the Web: Technology for the Educational Setting." College & Research Libraries News 62.3 (2001): 280-5 *

 

Graham, Krista. "Techmatters: Invasion of the Podcasters." Loex Quarterly (2006): 8-9 *

 

Helmke, Jonathan, Brad Matthiew, and Paul Slater. "Using a Wiki to Enhance Library Instruction." Indiana Libraries 25.3 (2006): 32-34 *

 

Lackie, Robert J. "Web 2.0 and its Technologies for Collaborative Library Communication." Multimedia and Internet @ Schools 13 (2006) *

 

 

Week 9: March 17

Instruction Session 2 - Electronic Database

Instructional Effectiveness in Teaching and Learning

 

Readings:

Palmer, Parker. "The Heart of A Teacher." The Courage to Teach. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1998. (Password: teach)

 

 

Week 10: March 24

Collaboration in Library User Instruction

 

Readings:

Branch, Jennifer L. "Teaching, Learning and Information Literacy: Developing an Understanding of Pre-Service Teachers' Knowledge." Behavioral and Social Science Librarian 22.1 (2003): 33-46 *

 

Brodie, Carolyn, S. "The INFOhio Parent Project: Models to Use." School Library Media Activities Monthly 23.6 (2007): 49-50 *

 

Montiel-Overall, Patricia. "Teacher and Teacher Librarian Collaboration." Teacher Librarian 34.2 (2006): 28-33 *

 

 

Week 11: March 31

Evaluating and Assessing Library User Instruction

 

Readings:

Battersby, Mark. "So, What's a Learning Outcome Anyway? Learning Outcomes and the Learning Paradigm. 1999.  

 

Gratch-Lindauer, Bonnie. "The Three Arenas of Information Literacy Assessment," Reference & User Services Quarterly 44 (Winter 2004): 122-129 *

 

 

Week 12: April 7

Final Instruction Sessions

Managing and Coordinating Library User Instruction

 

Readings:

Fowler, Clara and Scott Walter. "Instructional Leadership: New Responsibilities for a New Reality," College and Research Libraries News 62 (July/August 2003): 465-468 *

 

  

Week 13: April 14

Final Instruction Sessions

Literature Review Due

Marketing, Outreach, and Promotion for Library User Instruction

 

Readings:

Campbell, Jennifer and Sally Gibson. "Implementing an Action Plan: Strategies for Marketing Library Services." College and Undergraduate Libraries 12.1/2 (2005): 153-164.*

 

Galvin, Jeanne. "Alternative Strategies for Promoting Information Literacy" The Journal of Academic Librarianship 31.4 (2005): 352-7. *

 

Week 14: April 21

Final Instruction Sessions

Legal and Ethical Issues in Instruction

Wrap-up and Evaluation

 

Readings:

Harris, Benjamin R. "Credit Where Credit is Due: Considering the Ethics, Ethos, and Process in Library Instruction on Attribution." Education Issues 28.1 (2005): 4-11. *

 

Jackson, Pamela A. "Plagiarism Instruction Online: Assessing Undergraduate Students' Ability to Avoid Plagiarism." College and Research Libraries 67.5 (2006): 418-28. *

 

  

Week 15: April 28

No Class but:

Videotape Critique are Due