Teaching Workplace Information Literacy

The attributes of information literacy can change related to the context in which the information need occurs including the environment in which the need will manifest itself. This presentation will focus on the attributes of the workplace and how teaching information literacy can be different as it relates to “information” literacy in particular environments. Specifically, research will be shared related to a grant due diligence, regarding skill assessment and competencies needed by community college librarians for use in instructional design for teaching workplace information literacy. This would include programs such as job training or technology based programs as seen in vocational programs within the community or technical college purview. This presentation will discuss components pulled from field literature as well as research findings available from the grant research project. In community colleges for example; information literacy is taught very similarly across all disciplines when in reality the learning outcomes need to be different as related to the students’ educational need and their expected career path. Recognizing these different needs will influence the instructional design of the course work and provide better opportunities for meeting needs beyond graduation. Teaching workforce literacy can present a unique set of challenges that librarians might encounter while working with particular clients/patrons or in environments that are not research based but are vocational in nature. Some information resources may have direct application, usually in a job related need or in technical career oriented programs, thus should be addressed differently through instruction. This presentation will include definitions that can apply or are important in making this distinction between traditional definitions of information literacy and workforce literacy.

Anatomy of a Renovation

The seeds of innovation are changing how libraries use their space and plan for future remodels, renovations or expansions, especially post-COVID. Examples of this range from converting space from materials storage to user space needs along with technology enhancements. Technology driven initiatives that impact space usually start as small ideas or seeds of innovative initiatives, such as makerspaces, but are growing into digital media centers, video and imaging rooms, gaming labs and augmented reality spaces. This presentation shares a case study approach to a master space planning project but goes beyond the typical consultant led project into developing a boarder perspective on the factors related to addressing innovative changes and initiatives for both present needs and future developments. As part of renovation planning, an assembled team, representing a wide range of interests conducted site visits to selected academic libraries to visualize and discuss trends and initiatives impacting space planning. This information was shared with stakeholders in a focus group format to vet out potential seeds of expectation on how the use of library space can contribute to the success of individuals, groups and the larger institution. The drivers for creating goals in the planning effort went beyond the library walls to include community, digital scholarship and convening spaces. Research was conducted regarding the pedagogy that libraries can offer, in order to create environments that promote and support knowledge creation. The library should be considered the learning hub on campus and be integrated into each level of the educational mission to ensure student success and faculty research support. This paper/presentation breaks down how small seeds of ideas, new concepts or futuristic thinking can be incorporated into space design and renovation efforts. This anatomy of a renovation will be very visual and active in its deliver

Encoding Space: Shaping Learning Environments that Unlock Human Potential

This is a review of the book

Creating the High-Functioning Library Space

This is a review of the monograph Creating the High-Functioning Library Space, published by Libraries Unlimitied, 2017 and edited by Mata Mestrovic Deyrup, PhD

Re-conceiving Entrepreneurship for Libraries: Collaboration and the Anatomy of a Conference

For librarians who have worked in the field and have become innovative out of necessity, developing and creating entrepreneurial activities are not unusual. Perhaps recognizing and celebrating those achievements could change common perspectives on the entrepreneurial abilities of librarians. This idea launched the collaborative efforts of two universities to demonstrate this to be so. The libraries at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, successfully collaborated on the planning and execution of a conference to celebrate entrepreneurism within the field of librarianship. In doing so, each organization was able to promote its unique talents and give signature to the notion that librarians can be, and in fact are, entrepreneurial. The collaborative value found in this project was derived from our sense of fulfillment of our social responsibility and of celebrating entrepreneurship within the profession. This conference serves as an example of embedded collaboration versus simple logistics, and the conference planning team now looks forward to future endeavors

Updating staff involvement with development. The Bottom Line: Managing library finances

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this article is to reinforce that library staff can be critical to development activities. Design/methodology/approach: This is a discussion of issues involving personal giving and a case study example. Findings: Several factors are discussed related to staff behaviors about giving

Crafting an experience with practitioners in the classroom

Collaboration between faculty, faculty practitioners, and practitioners enhances teaching and research opportunities, provides more hands-on learning opportunities, and improves the knowledge and experience of all of those involved. Students benefit from learning about real world scenarios to couple with theoretical knowledge. Such experience improves student outcomes and informs their professionalism. Practitioners bring value added to the department with real-time information on new practices, trends, and solutions. Administrations recognize this value added and are striving to foster more inclusivity. Collaboration builds more resiliency into LIS programs and encourages the development of new leaders in our classrooms.This panel will encourage participants to think critically about the role of practitioners in LIS education. While research faculty serve as the backbone of an academic department and many come with field experience, their focus is research and teaching. Practitioners, whether as adjunct faculty, guest speakers, or full-time lecturers, bring greater emphasis to the lived experiences of the field to the classroom. This blend of current research with current experience offers a more holistic program to the student. Both administrators and accrediting agencies recognize the depth this blend brings to departments as evidenced by shifting attitudes and the development of greater support

Sounding off About Noise

Noise in a community college library can be part of the nature of the environment. It can also become a huge distraction for those who see the library as their sanctuary for quiet study and review of resources. This article describes the steps that should be taken by library staff in order to be pro-active about noise and the library environment, in order to fulfill the mission of the library for the campus community. The overall goal is for staff to control acceptable levels of noise and related student behavior

Encoding Space: Shaping Learning Environments That Unlock Human Potential [book review]

How much consideration do you give regarding the spaces in which you live, home, work or play? And do you consider other spaces or landscapes that you pass through, shop in, interact with others or sometimes, simply exist in? What about those spaces stirs your emotions or provides a sense of inspiration or better yet, encourages and motivates your mind and spirit? Mathews and Soistmann can help you answer those questions with their study and evaluation of spaces that opens the door to learning, in Encoding Spaces: Shaping Learning Environments that Unlock Human Potential

Using Evidence for Library Space Planning.

Faced with expanding collections and a rise in student population, Jackson Library, the main library of the University Libraries at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, made the decision to hire a space consultant in order to repurpose existing library space in front of an addition still 7- 10 years away. In order to provide information useful to this project for both the consultant hired and decision- making administrators, the library developed a program and conducted an assessment of space usage. The three-part assessment program included surveys, observation studies and focus group discussions that generated evidence and data useful to influence the work of the space consultant. In addition, the assessment information gathered provided library administration with a list of service enhancements that could be implemented immediately without a large capital outlay. The final recommendations that came from the space consultant’s work is supported by evidence gained from the library’s assessment activities as well as feedback and suggestions from library faculty and staff. This process also became a first step in the development of an ongoing culture of assessment activities to improve library services and promote the learning value of the libraries as a place