1. The Role of Instruction in a Contemporary Research Library Michelle Baildon November 10, 2005 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Libraries

2. Some Basic Questions to Guide Our Thinking What characterizes the “contemporary research library”? What is instruction, and how can we best do it?

3. What characterizes the “contemporary research library”? Rich in resources Digital library--experienced primarily online Fluidity of resources--blurred boundaries –between genres –between library and the rest of the world Not spatially or temporally localized Dare I say... It’s postmodern (See also Marlene Manoff, “Hybridity, Mutability, Multiplicity: Theorizing Electronic Library Collections,” Library Trends, Vol. 49, No. 1, Summer 2000, pp. 857-876.)

4. What is instruction, and how can we best do it? Evolving ideas: In-person instruction Online instruction And beyond...

5. In-Person Instruction: Covering the How-To’s

8. The mechanics of library research –How do I get around the library? –What does the library have, and how do I use it? “Bibliographic Instruction”  The role of instruction: Orient students to the library and its resources

9. In-Person Instruction: Concepts, Strategies, & Framework

10. PowerPoint slides from a session for HS300-70: History of Racism, Spring 2005

11. In-Person Instruction: Concepts, Strategies, & Framework Understanding the information landscape –What do I need, and which tool will deliver it? –What am I looking at now? “Information literacy” The role of instruction:  Teach students that information has organization and purpose  Emphasize the need for discernment

12. Online Instruction: Whenever You Need Me... Shortcomings of face-to-face instruction: –There isn’t enough time in an hour –Students just don’t remember –Interactivity and hands-on learning are important too We can shift some instruction online –Use course guides to remind students of resources –Use online guides and tutorials to reinforce basic skills –Also teach advanced skills online  Role of instruction: Be available to teach students when they have time, when they need help, and when they’re ready to learn

13. http://www2.bc.edu/~baildon/

16. Blurring More Boundaries: Everything Is Instruction Every manifestation of the library instructs our patrons on how to use it. Library design –Where do we steer patrons? –How do we label? Library web site design –Do we show that there are different kinds of resources? –Do we make it easy to evaluate resources? –How does the catalog display different search options?

19. What Else Is Instruction Good For? Fosters collaboration with faculty and promotes mutual understanding Maybe the most important result: –A reminder: librarians are people too! –I’m here to help