Creating a “new normal”: Transforming instruction for MLIS students

Abstract

Over the past few years, the Dalhousie Libraries and the School of Information Management (SIM) have made concerted efforts to forge a stronger connection with one another. This presentation will outline the process of working with faculty and students to introduce the SIM Academic Support Series, a set of workshops designed to supplement students’ academic study in practical and valuable ways, provide a space outside the classroom for the students to collect research advice and real-world tips about libraries, and strengthen the librarian presence in an MLIS program. Attendees will hear about techniques for integrating quickly and effectively into a small graduate department, but will also gain anecdotal tips (workable for any discipline/student group) for designing engaging extra-curricular instruction that keeps students interested and invested enough to (a) keep coming back willingly mid-semester despite their other commitments and (b) start promoting the instruction sessions creatively through their own channels. Results from the program evaluation will be presented at this session, and will provide attendees with insight into the learning interests of LIS students, future efforts to meet these interests, and what constitutes successful instruction and liaison practices through the eyes of future librarians.