Students aren’t seeking out help from the library the way that most teachers and professors are traditionally familiar with. This declining trend in use is an internationally documented phenomenon, but we know that students still struggle in conducting library research, evaluating quality resources and using materials ethically. So how does a library help students who aren’t coming into the library?
We’ve responded by utilizing new technologies, new philosophies and new approaches in order to adapt to the changing dynamics of our learners. These include synchronous reference services, roving reference, embedded librarians in online courses and partnerships with unique campus learning communities. The need for strategic agility and ongoing review and analysis is one that is shared by educators in both virtual and face-to-face spaces.
Participants in this session, intended for post-secondary and high school educators, will find out what modern and responsive academic libraries are doing to support learners in a variety of environments. Participants will reflect on their own teaching space or classroom and how they can collaborate with librarians to bring innovative information literacy opportunities beyond the library’s traditional walls.
Of Interest to: Online and distance education, Post-secondary education, K-12 educators
