Educating instruction librarians

Abstract

The rise of the librarian's role in teaching information literacy competencies and assessing student learning outcomes requires that instruction librarians be cognizant of and competent in a broad array of teaching and assessment skills. A review of the literature shows that, while instruction librarians are proactive in improving their level of expertise, they also express the need to have training and experience during their graduate programs. This article utilizes a case-study approach to propose a model of instruction librarian education. The authors, recent graduates from the University of Hawai'i Library and Information Science Program, analyze the effect of their experiences in a semester-long teaching practicum and a formal graduate level course in instructional methodology. It is proposed that future instruction librarians be provided opportunities for extended teaching practicums combined with coursework in instructional theory during their Library and Information Science program.