1. Jennifer Nardine and Lesley Moyo Virginia Tech USA
Learning Community as a Model for Cultivating Teaching Proficiencies Among Library Instructors – A Case Study
Jennifer Nardine and Lesley Moyo
Virginia Tech
USA
April 19, 2019

2. Changing Library Instruction Landscape
University-level curriculum changes created greater demand for instruction
Internal library focus on new strategic direction redeployed current instructors to new areas of responsibility

3. Result
A need to develop greater instructional capacity without an increase in staffing

4. Two Pronged Approach
Aggressive agenda to increase available online instruction tools and resources
Cultivation of new instructors from within the libraries – the “New Instructor Cohort” (NIC)

5. NIC Rationale
Teaching skills not typically part of librarian curriculum
Teaching proficiency often developed independent of formal education
Experience in instruction and public speaking essential to career

6. NIC Goals
Development of instruction proficiencies based on professional standards
Development of teacher identities in new instructors

7. Learning Community Teacher as colleague
Community of practice offers opportunity for bonding
Shared experiences and discussions help individuals develop teacher identities
Immersion in study creates well-rounded graduates

8. Curriculum – Phase 1 & 2 Phase 1 Phase 2 Initial 12 week training
Reading, homework, journaling
Bi-weekly discussion meetings
Practice instruction sessions
Phase 2
Class observation, evaluation
Discussion meetings, journaling

9. Curriculum – Phase 3 Phase 3 Observation Co-teaching Journaling
Participation in Library-wide instruction community activity
Participation in regional Library Exchange Observation group

10. Preliminary Outcomes Greater capacity for supporting instruction
Sense of community
Professional growth
Program development
Transition from paraprofessional to professional positions

11. Challenges Participant availability and permissions Workload
Disparate professional backgrounds
Shifting responsibilities
Attrition

12. Cohort Feedback
Unanimously noted increased confidence in public speaking and teaching
Significant interest in further education
Interest in research in instruction and learning

13. Recommendations Keep the curriculum flexible
Seize impromptu learning opportunities
Document instructor and participant experiences as you go
Document the program to assess long-term impact

14. Conclusions Library-wide buy-in is necessary for success
Collaboration enhances the development of teacher persona
One size does not fit all
Curriculum flexibility is key
Ongoing mentoring important