Library Instruction West 2016

1:15-1:45 Enhancing the Common Reading Experience Through Library Instruction

Common reading programs can facilitate shared academic experiences for first-year students. As common reading often serves as an entry point for inquiry in the first year, instruction librarians have a role to play in such programs. This session will focus on an academic library's support of inquiry in freshman seminar courses through the common reading program. The library took advantage of opportunities presented by online learning technologies to create an interactive learning experience for first-year students. The library created interactive online learning modules to guide first-year students through the inquiry process. The modules use examples from the common reading and feature a variety of exercises to promote active learning.  The presenter will detail development of the modules, including technologies utilized in their design and strategies for incorporating active learning. Attendees will learn how online learning and library instruction can be joined to enhance the common reading experience.  

1:45-2:15 Foothills to Fourteeners: Preparing Students for Research in the Real World

How do we convey the importance of research skills outside of academic contexts? How do we position students as lifelong learners? How can we show transferability of research skills from academic to real world problems? Preparing students to find credible, reliable information even after their subscription access has ended is often an indirect goal for instruction librarians but is rarely the focus of a standalone research workshop. This case study highlights how Keller's ARCS Model of Motivational Design and Problem-Based Learning can be used to scaffold research skills for life beyond college. These frameworks are effective for engaging nontraditional students and can be adapted to even one-shot classes to build students' research skills through simulations of real-life research scenarios.