The Rochester Regional Library Council, in partnership with librarians from across Western NY, is proud to present the Library Instruction Leadership Academy (LILAC). Library instruction is an essential component of many library positions and few library degree programs require coursework in information literacy instruction. The goal of LILAC is to fill this gap for new librarians and those currently working in the field.

LILAC is a semester-long intensive learning experience including a variety of workshops, field experience, observations, assigned readings, reflection, discussions, and a final instruction presentation. It is intended for newer instruction librarians who would like to learn to be more effective teachers in the library/classroom, but we feel veteran librarians could also benefit.

LILAC participants are selected by the planning committee through a formal selection process. Requirements include:

• All applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a degree in library science
• Participants must attend five workshops, and two evening events (listed below)
• Participants will complete readings and answer questions given by presenters prior to the five workshops, and participate in online discussions following the workshops.
• Participants will keep an online reflective journal, which will be monitored by presenters and observation librarians
• Participants will observe at least three library instruction sessions taught by experienced librarians
• Participants will be required to present an instruction session during the final workshop

Expected Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will demonstrate an understanding and implementation of best practices in pedagogy
• Participants will exhibit a growing understanding of the ways an instruction librarian approaches preparation and presentation of classroom/program materials
• Participants will demonstrate greater confidence in their teaching methodology, especially as it pertains to risk taking, creativity, and interaction with students/patrons
• Participants and their mentors will create a learning community where they will build strong relationships and continue to learn from each other well beyond the timeline of the Academy
• Participants will be encouraged to disseminate their learning through national, state, and regional conference presentations and publications in library and educational journals