Library Instruction for All: Exploring Ways to Accommodate All

Learning Styles in and out of the Classroom

Vivienne PiroliReference/Instruction Librarian

Simmons College Libraries, Boston, MAvivienne.piroli@simmons.edu

LOEX 2003Reflective Teaching - A Bridge to Learning

• Knowledge versus Understanding

• Learning - a complex process

• Develop support networks- professional literature- conferences- workshops- staff development

• Create, implement, and refine processes

• Bibliographic Instruction Group (BIG)- peer coaching- think tank- resources exchange

• Goals- seek and create instruction opportunities- establish baseline skills, concepts, and capabilities

• Instruction Opportunities- reference desk- research appointments- online tutorials and research aids- e-mail and bulletin boards- course management software- workshops- classroom instruction

• Identifying Instruction Opportunities- reference appointments- reference desk transactions- using digital reference software for virtual instruction- extending print guides to an online medium- classroom teaching

• Baseline abilities - challenges- computer literacy- part-time and distance students- lack of a curriculum based information literacy program- campus organizational changes- generations x and y

• David Kolb Experiential Learning- Concrete Experience- Reflective Observation- Abstract Conceptualization- Active Experimentation

Concrete Experience

Reflective Observation

Active Experimentation

Abstract Conceptualization

Process

Perception

Accomodator Diverger

AssimilatorConverger

Kolb’s Model

• Divergers - “Why?”

• Assimilators - “What is there to know?”

• Convergers - “How?”

• Accomodators - “What would happen if I did this?”

• Multidisciplinary Core Course- first year, two semester course- 18 students per section- 18 sections- 80 minutes twice weekly - writing, research, and critical thinking skills

• Librarians conducted MCC research workshops in spring semester

• In 2000 librarians given additional class in fall semester - Library Jeopardy is born!

• Friendly introduction to the library, its staff, resources and services

• Consisted of a self-guided library tour followed by a game of library jeopardy

• Self-guided tour- 13 colorful posters throughout the library- tone colloquial- offered information on topics such as

-- searching the catalog-- how to print-- why you need an ID in the library-- top ten questions to ask at the

Reference desk

Circulation Desk

I left my Simmons ID back in my room. Do Ireally need it?

Yes, a Simmons ID is required for your protection, sinceyou’re responsible for anything checked out in your name.

How long can I check stuff out?All students can check books out for 28 days. Need a book beyond the duedate? No problem. You can renew a book as long as no one else needs it.

Can I take out an issue of Psychology Today magazine?Nope, sorry. Some stuff – library periodicals, reference books, and reserves-- can only be used in the library.

What are reserves?“Reserves” are reading assignments, usually listed on your syllabus, thatcan be checked out for 2 hours. That way the whole class won’t have to buya copy.

I’m having some friends over. Can I check out a CD?You bet – CDs can be checked out for 7 days. You can also check out extrapasses to the Museum of Fine Arts and the JFK Library and Museum.

…CHECK US OUT!

The Library Catalog

What is theLibraryCatalog?

The LibraryCatalog hasinformationon all thebooks ownedat theSimmonsLibraries. Other things in the Web-based library catalog includevideos and films, computer software and journal titles.

How do I get to the Library Catalog?Start in Netscape or Internet Explorer, and go to the Libraries Webpage. Choose Resources, then Find Books, and click on SimmonsLibrary Catalog.

How do I find books on my topic?You can search the Library Catalog by Author, Title, Keyword, orSubject to find books at the Simmons Libraries. Still confused?Please ask at the reference desk. We’ll be glad to work with you!

Can I look up articles in the Library Catalog?Nope – the Library Catalog includes journal titles only. In otherwords, you can check to see that the library has Newsweekmagazine, but you can’t look up an individual article on terrorism orsingle parent families. [See Poster 6 for details on looking up articlesin a database.]

Finding Periodicals(Journals and Magazines)

How do you know if SimmonsLibraries has a journal you need?Check the library catalog! The library catalog willtell you where you can find the issue of the journalyou’re looking for. The library catalog alsoincludes electronic journals – journals that are full-text in a database.

Current issues of selected journals are ondisplay in the Reference area next to the microfilmreader/printers.

Last year’s – and the rest of the Beatley Library journals – are on thelower level. Journals can be in print or in microfilm, and are arrangedalphabetically by title.

Current newspapers are displayed across from the reference desk.Beatley Library also has older newspapers in print, in microfilm, and onlinein databases such as Lexis-Nexis.

Confused? Just ask a librarian!

WebCT

WebCT is:a computer application that can be used to post a syllabus, lecturenotes, and other course materials on the Web; link directly to journalarticles from library databases; serve online quizzes; andcommunicate with each other in a real-time chat room or with abulletin board.

Logging on to WebCT... Go to http://academia.simmons.edu. Click "Course Listing". Click the category of your course ("CASPS", "GSLIS", etc.). Type in your username and password.

What is your username and password?Your WebCT username is the same as your Simmons WebMailusername - all in lowercase letters. Your password is your 7-digitSimmons ID number. For more information about usernames andpasswords, please go online: http://academia.simmons.edu/students

Don't know your WebMail username?Call the Help Desk at x2222 for your WebMail username. Tell themyou need it to get into WebCT.

Need more help with WebCT?Check out the online help guide in the students' section ofhttp://academia.simmons.edu

Index cards with MCC related topics

Handout of LC Call Numbers and Subjects and their locations within the Beatley Library

• Workshops- 80 minutes per section- held in computer classroom- faculty in attendance- librarian and rover leading session

• Active learning techniques

Fun with Boolean!

Brainstorming & concept mapping

Organizing ideas

• Web-based Course Guide

MCC students hard at work

Diverger?

Assimilator?

Converger?

Accomodator?

• Assessments

• Live Digital Reference - AskNow

• Software allowed for:- chat- co-browsing- application sharing- streaming video- voice over IP

• Potential as a teaching tool- extend traditional desk service- ability to e-mail chat transcript to patron- guide patrons through Web and database searches- highlight suitable print resources- use digitized versions of library handouts and guides

• User end

• Librarian end

Transcript is saved as a text file and...

Sent via e-mail to the address in the call info box.

Handouts in a variety of formats

• Reference interview - a problem solving opportunity

• Librarians’ behavior and actions relating to student learning

• Understanding learning styles increases understanding of student behavior

With students at their workstation

• Reference Interview- teachable moment