Library Instruction Leadership Academy

The Library Instruction Leadership Academy (LILAC) is a collaborative project developed by librarians at SUNY Geneseo, the College at Brockport-State University of New York, Monroe Community College, Genesee Community College, St. John Fisher College, Fairport Central School District, Pittsford Central School District, University of Rochester and the Rochester Regional Library Council. It is funded in part by a grant from the Harold Hacker Fund for the Advancement of Libraries. Since 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 librarians currently working in RRLC member libraries.

The Academy is a semester-long intensive learning experience including a variety of workshops, field observations, assigned readings, reflection, discussions, and a final instruction project. It is intended for newer instruction librarians who would like to become more effective in the classroom. This innovative endeavor will create a learning community where participants and mentors build strong relationships, and where group members will continue to learn from each other well beyond the timeline of the Academy.

Twenty participants will be selected through a formal application process. Eligibility to apply and be accepted into the Academy includes:

Current employment at a RRLC member library. (http://www.rrlc.org/MemberLibraries/tabid/420/Default.aspx)
Completion or near completion of an appropriate master’s degree in library or information science.
Demonstrated need (as expressed in a required application essay) to improve pedagogical technique.
Stated support from applicant’s library director.

Requirements for Academy Completion:

Participants must attend five all-day workshops, and two evening events:

Evening Kickoff Party at the College at Brockport

January 6, 2010 – Orientation and Learning Management System (LMS) training

All-day workshops (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.), RRLC, lunch included

January 11, 2010 – “Librarian as Educator: From Theory to Practice”
February 8, 2010 – “Learners and Partners”
March 9, 2010 – “Instructional Strategies / Teacher as Performer”
April 13, 2010 – “Teaching with Technology”
May 4, 2010 – “Classroom Management / Assessment”

Evening Gathering

May 11, 2010 - Graduation party

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 three library instruction sessions taught by experienced librarians. These observations may require travel to pre-selected libraries in and around Rochester.
Participants will be required to complete a final project relevant to their position or professional goals.

Expected Learning Outcomes:

Participants will demonstrate an understanding and implementation of best practices in classroom pedagogy.
Participants will exhibit a growing understanding of the ways an instruction librarian approaches preparation and presentation of classroom materials.
Participants will demonstrate greater confidence in their teaching methodology, especially as it pertains to risk taking, creativity and interaction with students.
Participants and their mentors will create a learning community where they 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/workshops and publications in library and educational journals.

Applications are due Monday, November 2, 2009.

Fee: $100.

This fee covers all materials related to participation in the Academy: enrollment in a learning management system, readings, materials, and meals served at the five all-day workshops. Transportation is not included in this fee. The fee will be collected after participants have been notified of their acceptance into the Academy and prior to the first workshop.

Any questions may be directed to members of the LILAC Steering Committee.

LILAC Application Form