Instruction Training for LIS Students and New LibrariansAmanda ClickInstruction and Reference Librarian The American University in Cairo

Claire WalkerReference and Instruction LibrarianCumberland UniversityHelp Us Help Them*

Literature Review Public service job listings referencing instruction responsibilities 1987 - 53%1996 - 100%

1999 study of LIS programsMore than half of LIS programs regularly offered instruction courses

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Literature Review 2002 study of LIS programs 58% of LIS programs offered instruction classes 63% as part of another course

Similar study in 2008 46 of 54 ALA-accredited LIS programs (85%)

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Our Survey 27 questions distributed on ILI and NEWLIB

310 responses from librarians who graduated from LIS graduate programs between 2003 and 2008

39% in 2007 or 2008, 33% in 2005 or 2006, and 25% in 2003 or 2004*

Instruction Training in Graduate School How many respondents took a course on library instruction while in graduate school?40%

Of the 191 respondents who did NOT take an instruction course, 53% stated that there was no course of this type available.*

Instruction Training in Graduate School

Would be better prepared for their current jobs with additional instruction courses

70%*

Instruction Training in Graduate School How important were instruction courses in relation to your career goals?

56% important or very important

How important were courses in library instruction in relation to your current job?

61% important or very important*

Instruction Training in Graduate SchoolSatisfaction level with the availability of library instruction courses:

75% neutral, somewhat satisfied or not satisfied at all

Satisfaction level with the quality of library instruction courses:

32% satisfied or very satisfied*

Instruction Training in Graduate SchoolActual instruction experience was rated 66% important or very important

Gaining instruction experience outside of coursework? 30% not able to 26% through practicums 44% through on the job experience 23% through other avenues*

Our Experiences *

Instruction Training On the Job78% are employed in either a college or university library

How would you describe your instruction duties?

68% instruction is a major component of my position*

Instruction Training On the Job What are your instruction responsibilities?

85% teach individuals at the reference desk

81 % teach one-shot library instruction sessions

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Instruction TrainingOn the Job Have you received instruction training on the job? 56% No44% Yes

Have you sought additional instruction training on your own?61% Yes39% No*

Instruction TrainingOn the Job How satisfied were you with the availability of training?

38% somewhat satisfied or unsatisfied32% neutral30% satisfied or very satisfied

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Instruction TrainingOn the Job How satisfied were you with the quality of training?

33% somewhat satisfied or unsatisfied36% neutral31% satisfied or very satisfied*

Instruction TrainingOn the JobMost helpful training activities:

78% observing other librarians provide library instruction56% receiving feedback from colleagues/other faculty39% attending library instruction workshops*

Instruction TrainingOn the JobHow important is on the job instruction training to you?

71% important or very important*

Our Experiences*

New Librarians Self-AssessmentHow confident do you feel in your instruction skills?63% confident or very confident

With which aspect of instruction do you feel most confident?

61% familiarity with concepts and lesson content49% preparing a lesson48% speaking in front of a group*

Suggestions for Improvement Graduate SchoolOffer instruction courses regularlyIncrease awareness of the importance of instruction training

On the JobEvaluation is key to confidence and improvementAsynchronous and inexpensive online training*

ReferencesAlbrecht, Rebecca and Sarah Baron. The Politics of Pedagogy: Expectations and Reality for Information Literacy in Librarianship. Journal of Library Administration 36, no. 1/2 (2002): 71-96.

Avery, Christine and Kevin Ketchner. Do Instruction Skills Impress Employers? College and Research Libraries 57 (May 1996): 249-253.

Larson, Mary Ellen and Ellen Meltzer. Education for Bibliographic Instruction. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science 28 (Summer 1987): 9-16.*

ReferencesSproles, Claudeen, Johnson, Anna Marie, and Farison, Leslie. What Are the Teachers Teaching; How MLIS Programs are Preparing Academic Librarians for Instructional Roles. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science 49, no. 3 (2008):195-209.

Westbrook, Lynn. Passing the Halfway Mark: LIS Curricula Incorporating User Education Courses. Journal of Education for Library and Information Studies 40, no. 2 (1999): 92-98.

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Thank you!Questions? Comments?Contact us:

Amanda Click aclick@aucegypt.edu

Claire Walkercwalker@cumberland.edu*

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