Fresh approaches to instruction

As many of Western’s courses continue to be taught online, the University Libraries’ faculty and staff are exploring fresh approaches to teaching research skills to Western students. 

Nearly 180 Western faculty and instructors invited librarians to deliver library instruction to their students in the classroom or the library in 2023. With the increase in online learning, over 30% of library instruction now occurs online, including an online library skills microcourse all students are automatically enrolled in for free.

To help respond to the changes and increase the number of students receiving library instruction, the Libraries’ faculty librarians took several new approaches, including a strategic curricular program expansion, innovative technology integration and hands-on programs for visitors.

They analyzed Essential Studies courses and identified core classes that would benefit from information literacy instruction. The librarians set a goal of ensuring every undergraduate has library instruction in at least one course and implemented targeted communication and outreach strategies to faculty teaching these courses. Library instruction increased significantly in 2023 as our librarian’s new strategy was implemented. 

“We are approaching information literacy instruction as a program,” says Mike Duffy, fine arts librarian and department lead for the Instruction and Outreach team.

Librarians LuMarie Guth, Dylan McGlothlin and Ed Eckel also collaborated on a strategy for delivering instruction to foundational writing courses, BCM 1420, ENGL 1050 and IEE 1020. Many students take these foundational courses in their first year at Western. With a more calibrated instructional approach, students have similar learning objectives and a cohesive experience across all three courses.

Guth, McGlothlin and Eckel also worked with Kate Langan, engagement librarian, to better scaffold the experience with courses like FYE 2100, which help first-year students get oriented to college. The Libraries’ Amazing Library Race program, a team-building scavenger hunt activity, gives students an orientation to the library and helps new students create connections. 

Over 800 students participated in the Amazing Library Race program in 2023, setting them up for success in their subsequent classes.

“They are having fun while learning about library services and they get to meet new people they might not otherwise have met,” says Langan. “They come into the room as strangers, but they return from the scavenger hunt as newfound friends.”

Delivering a unique library experience is a specialty of our Tech Lab, located on Waldo Library’s lower level. Emerging Technology Specialist Alex Teal works with instructors across many disciplines to give students a unique learning experience with virtual reality, 3D printing and media tools.

In the Tech Lab, students can get hands-on learning experiences with virtual reality and how they might encounter it in their careers. Students in fashion merchandising can explore how VR could be used for digital retail opportunities, while human resources majors can explore apps created for on-the-job training.

Teal also collaborated with Duffy and instructors in the School of Music to capture a 360-degree recording of an ensemble’s rehearsal, which was shared with attendees at the ensemble’s concert. 

“The 360-degree recordings were taken from the midst of the rehearsal, allowing a perspective that is not possible by watching the concert from the audience seating,” says Duffy.

The recordings were used to enhance the concertgoers’ experience and raise awareness about the application of this technology for learning.

“This is just one example of ways we bring the library out to the campus community, with deliberate connections between active learning experiences and our deep library resources,” says Mary O’Kelly, associate dean for education and user services.

The Libraries also rolled out a new class and group visit program for high school and community groups that want to learn more about research. The new program makes it easier for schools to book visits and streamlines the content delivered for a better experience.  

Natural Sciences Librarian Micky Carignano collaborated with colleagues at Waldo Library and Zhang Legacy Collections Center to deliver research instruction for Portage Central High School students working on their senior projects. 

“I found it to be very rewarding to be able to teach a different group of students than what I’m used to,” said Carignano. “For them, the trip to the library was just as much about seeing what college is like as it was about learning to use library resources.”