Information Literacy and Library Orientation

Today was Library Orientation and we did something different today. In the past the group was divided in half as well as the time. Each group was led by a staff member. One gave a tour and the other (usually the librarian) gave lessons on using the online catalog and the online databases. Then they switched groups (halves).

We are now doing ‘embedded teaching’ in the English class to teach how to use the catalog and databases. So today we had the obligatory tour, a short explanation of the call number configuration; 15 minutes to read the handbook and review special points. We ended with a game they really enjoyed.

The group was divided into four teams. Each team was given a list of various areas in the library with a color to look for. Each team had to go down their list and find a colored sheet of paper that was their color. (Blue team looked for blue paper.) After all their sheets were found they came to the front desk, picked up their quiz and left.

It was a full, packed class hour but they seemed to enjoy the game. Oh yes, one other thing – they had to hold on to each other’s wrist (or sleeve if they objected!) and had 2 ½ minutes to complete it. They seemed to really have fun with this. One student questioned “holding wrists.” I told them that holding hands was against the rules, not wrists, ;-). They wanted to know what to do. I told them “enjoy it!” They got a kick out of that. Interestingly enough a few of these college students felt squeamish about holding someone else’s wrist! I didn’t think anyone at this age would object to that!!! But allowances were made! The goal was accomplished. That was the point. And it was fun.

Embedded teaching

Today I taught the second section of the English class about our online catalog. I really enjoyed it. I hope the students weren't totally bored. Although I did try to involve them as much as possible and as much as I know how - given I really have had no teacher training, well not for this setting anyhow. This is a lot different than teaching children in Sunday School! I like the idea of having the class in two sections. The only problem is the first section probably doesn't get the level of quality the second section does. The first ones are the guinea pigs. The second group gets the improved edition! Next time around we will be learning about databases - but that is next month.

For now, I'll go back to my ordering supplies, training new help, going to or holding meetings, watching the budget, answering questions, overseeing acquisitions and cataloging, freshmen orientation, and getting pictures painted on the office walls - yea, you know, some of that really stressful stuff! - Like tomorrow - a birthday party at our student workers' meeting. But somebody's got to do it. I've got a couple weeks yet to worry about the next English class opportunity.

New school year, New approaches, New ideas

The new school year is well under way. Where DOES the time go. Registration went the best this year since I’ve been here I think, although our numbers are down by 30 this year from last year.

“We” are trying a new approach this year to Information Literacy. Instead of trying to cram (!) it all in at library orientation, we are trying “embedded instruction” in the English class. This does miss some who elect to take their G.E. classes somewhere else, but hopefully this will catch most. I have two class hours with the class to teach them how to use the online catalog and the online databases. We’ll still have orientation but it will be more “shallow” shall we say concentrating more on the library handbook and the tour.

Here are some websites I found on Information Literacy:

Information Literacy Curriculum

Colorado Standards for Information Literacy

Library Media Learning Outcomes

More sites can be found in this list: Resources for School Librarians

Here’s one in library instruction outcomes from FIU.

Here’s a blog by an Information Literacy Librarian.


Another idea we are pursuing is meeting with the faculty one on one for their book ideas, requests, favorite authors, and what they need for the classes they teach. I have met with four so far. Then I go researching what they want and report back to them what we have and what I have found that we can get if they are interested. Obviously this will take more of my time but I really think that this will improve communication and support between the library and the teaching faculty.