Do you find that too many areas of your collection are underutilized by patrons? Do the instructional sessions that your library provides seem not to engage patrons? Be sure to take the newest offering of the American Library Association’s online course on the subject, “Rethinking Library Instruction: Libraries as Social Learning Centers”. The class, taught by veteran librarian and nonprofit worker Paul Signorelli, begins on February 8 and lasts four weeks. The format will consist of an asynchronous discussion board and optional live sessions, supplemented by readings and short assignments.
The course’s main focus will be on the ways that improved instructional programs can not only increase user awareness of library resources, but also improve the customer-service experience for patrons. To this end, participants will learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional tools and to create informal learning resources that meet the present needs of library users. Participants will become comfortable presenting instruction in an engaging manner that connects with a particular audience, and that encourages interaction and feedback from users. The importance of following through with patrons once they leave the instructional session, and making sure that they can confidently apply what they have learned, will also be covered.
For more information, and to register, go here.