The Library Instruction Update is a regular series of presentations held for librarians involved in the WSU Libraries Instruction Program. The Update provides a forum in which library employees can learn about and discuss issues related to library instruction and information literacy. The Library Instruction Update is held once a semester.
Update Programs -Spring 2010
Coming Soon
Past Update Programs
Collaboration with Libraries & CTLT: Information Literacy and Critical Thinking (fall 2009) Dr. Carol Anelli (Associate Professor of Entomology, Honors College Thesis Director and Honors College Faculty Fellow) presented about designing and delivering content with the Libraries and CTLT in her honors 298 course. Anelli discussed the motivation behind the collaborative process as well as the work involved in planning and delivering. This innovative collaboration resulted in several assignments that built toward an exam where students information literacy skills were assessed. Anelli discussed designing the experience with an eye towards measurable assessment. pdf
Library Marketing, Public Relations, and Fundraising (Spring 2009) Kristie Kirkpatrick (Director, Whitman County Library) discussed the successes of the Whitman County Library despite having a very small operating budget. Portions of the discussion focused on working with the community to promote library services, fundraising through local efforts like a library cookbook, and grant writing. One successful grant writing endeavor in particular resulted in new computers for the Colfax branch and a visit by Bill Gates himself through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Teaching with Connection (Fall 2008) Dr. Kim Kidwell (Associate Dean, Academic Programs, CAHRNS) discussed her path
as a researcher/educator and its impact on her approach to instruction. Identifying communication as key to enriching the
classroom experience Kidwell drew from her experience as instructor for HD 205 to illustrate common classroom challenges
offering methods she's used to minimize the challenges with maximum return for herself and her students.PowerPoint
"Developmental and Cognitive Instructional Strategies to Enhance Learning from Text"
Presented by (Spring 2008) Jean Sumner (WSU Psychology PhD Candidate) discussed developmental and cognitive cosiderations of
students in late adolescence, strategies to help students read difficult texts, and facilitating active reading and deeper comprehension.
How do Vandals become Information Literate? (Fall 2007) Diane Prorak Instruction Coordinator and Nancy Young Interim
Reference Coordinator discussed the University of Idaho's Library Instruction program. Highlights of the session included a
discussion of the Core Discovery program for freshman, as well as an overview of the departments learning outcomes and other
assessment efforts. Handout available in .doc format
Technology and Media Literacies: Common Ground and Areas of Distinction (Spring 2007) presented by Dr. Gary Brown Director of
The Center for Teaching and Learning Technology and Dr. Eric Anctil Assistant Professor in the College of Education discussed the impact
of format on learning and the need for a K-20 curriculum integrating media literacy.
Following the presentations a discussion of incorporating technologies into learning ensued, as well as crafting assignments to reduce
the likelihood of plagiarism as opposed to subscribing to the controversial turitin.com plagiarism detection software.
Active Learning and Inquiry-Based Teaching Strategies (Fall 2006) - Dr. Lynda Panzokas, a professor from the WSU College of Education presented on techniques and activities to incorporate into active learning and inquiry based instruction. The session featured an inquiry based learning exercise demonstrating the the different levels of inquiry based instruction, as well as an informative PowerPoint presentation.
Learner Centered Instruction (Spring 2006) - Dr. Maryellen Weimer, Communications Professor at Penn State - Lehigh Berks College, presented on learner-centered teaching.
In addition to the presentation, Dr. Weimer presented an extensive bibliography of articles relating to user centered learning theories.
Portions of the sessions featured discussion of the key roles of librarians in the academic community.
Keeping Track and Keeping Up (Fall 2005) - presented by Lorena O'English, the presentation featured information about RSS, blogs, social bookmarking, and social networking, in the context of academic and personal work. The session offered an overview of concepts and a chance to start using these Web resources to Keep Up and Keep Track.
Technology Teach-In (Spring 2005) - presented by Lorena O'English and Corey Johnson, the session featured technology issues that arise in teaching students and helping them with library resources (along with a few issues that arise at a librarian's office computer). The session was filled with tips and advice for navigating the technological tools for creating and printing graphics, and increasing familarity with resources on public and staff computers.
Teaching Adult Learners (Fall 2004) - presented by Dr.
Jim Gregson, the session featured a discussion of learning style differences
and needs of adult/non-traditional students, which provided useful insights
for everyone teaching and working with the public.
Understanding MetaSearch and the WSU Portal (Spring 2004) - presented
by Lorena O'English,
the session featured a discussion of MetaLib along with its role in the
WSU Portal, special consideration was given to the topic of teaching MetaLib
to various campus constituencies.
Instruction Tips & Tricks (Spring 2003) - presented by the Library
Instruction faculty, the session featured presentations on topics such
as differences in what may be covered in Engl 101 vs 201, ideas for active
learning exercises, and strategies for involving students, as well as specific
examples of sources and tools to help students learn to evaluate sources critically.
What Constitutes Good Learning? (Fall 2002) - presented by Amy Beasley
(CTLT) and Sharon Roy (DDP), this Update focused on discussing the criteria
for good learning experiences and the resources available for facilitating
good learning.
Meeting the Needs of Second Language Learners in the Library (Summer
2002) - presented by Gina Petrie, Ph.D. student in Literacy Education, this Update focused on providing
an introduction to second language learning issues and a discussion about how diversity
in language and culture among students can have an effect on how students
experience the library and library instruction presentation
available in .PPT format
Library Instruction at Washington State University - A Program Update
(Spring 2002) - presented by Scott Walter, this
Update focused on the current scope and status of the Library Instruction
Program at Washington State University presentation
available in .PPT format.