Brainstorming

Event review: Information Literacy Teaching for New(er) Professionals workshop

Kate Grigsby, Marketing and Communications Officer for the CILIP Information Literacy Group (ILG), has kindly provided a short report on the “Information Literacy (IL) Teaching for New(er) Professionals” workshop that took place in Sheffield on April 16th, 2018.


Teaching materials from the Sheffield event
Examples of IL teaching materials introduced at the workshop

On Monday 16th April in Sheffield, 21 information professionals attended a full day workshop on “IL for New(er) Professionals” facilitated by Jane Secker (ILG Chair), Andrew Walsh (ILG Co-Training Officer) and Kate Grigsby (ILG Marketing and Communications Officer). The attendees were a great mix of enthusiastic librarians who were ready to learn more and share their experience. We also noticed that a few of the attendees had also been at the recent LILAC 2018 conference.

In light of the new CILIP Information Literacy definition, the session gave an overview of the background and theories of IL and why they matter – especially in terms of empowerment. The workshop also covered IL and teaching theories and models, top teaching tips, lesson planning and writing learning objectives, evaluation, learning activities (covered in a ‘speed networking/dating’ style), reflective practice, and embedding with academic staff.

Jane Secker leads a discussion on what IL means to the attendees
Jane Secker leads a discussion on what IL means to the attendees

Attendees left with a stronger understanding of how to teach IL, an individual lesson plan and set of learning outcomes, as well as ideas for activities and reflection. We hope the day inspired them to find out more about IL and follow up on the suggested readings, and of course to get involved with the ILG and our LILAC conference (or hopefully attend again!).

A particular highlight was the feedback method at the end of the session – the paper form had instructions on the back on how to make a paper aeroplane! The flying feedback was well received!  100% of attendees rated the session good or excellent, and it was clear that they enjoyed the mix of presenters and content.

If you’d like to find out more about the session content and attendee reactions to it, the Twitter hashtag for the workshop was #infolitteach.

Our next ILG-led workshop will be Reflective Practice for Information Literacy Practitioners, which will take place at CILIP HQ in London on June 18th, 2018 – bookings are now being taken for the event!

It would be great to hear from you if you are interested in attending a similar session in future and have any recommendations for suitable locations. Please contact us with your suggestions!

Find out more about the CILIP Information Literacy Group

Do you have any Information Literacy teaching tips for new(er) professionals? Post your ideas in the comments section below!

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