Building a community of practice for instruction librarians: Programmatic elements and strategies for implementation

Abstract

A community of practice for instruction librarians is essential to ongoing development of pedagogical knowledge, fostering community, and cultivating meaningful teaching practices. This article describes the development of a community of practice for new and experienced instruction librarians to help them grow in their teaching practice. Elements explored throughout this article include collaborative peer mentorship, developing a reflective practice, and support for the coordinator of instruction leading these efforts. A replicable model for effective implementation at other institutions is detailed throughout the article.