APLA2018

Large class sizes, limited class time, and a growing appreciation of self-directed learning are just a few of the factors that have made online library instruction an important alternative to in-class sessions. Even though online library modules and tutorials have been a mode of teaching for the past two decades, there is still room for us to re-examine online learning practices and assumptions in academic libraries. As we create our online modules, we will consider the following questions: How does online learning compare as a library instruction method to in-person and hybrid models? Which information literacy (IL) teaching objectives lend themselves to web-based instruction and which do not and why? How should an institution measure an online IL program’s effectiveness over time?

In our lightning talk or poster, we aim to provide a glimpse into the challenges around instructional design, development, implementation, and assessment of UNB Libraries’ new web-based IL modules. The modules will encourage self-paced, independent, and subject-targeted learning among on- and off-campus students and possibly members of the public. This web-based IL series, will offer users flexibility during the learning process and give instructors the option to direct students to these resources outside of class time. Housed in Desire2Learn Brightspace, UNB’s learning management system, the modules will help to entrench library instruction as an essential part of university education. They will function as stand-alone tools accessible to all students but we will investigate how to create assessment methods that can be incorporated into existing coursework.