The long-awaited update to the "Guidelines for Extended Academic Library Services" passed the last hurdle in ACRL during the Midwinter Conference. It will be sent to the ALA Standards Committee for final approval at the annual conference this summer. Of interest to LIRT is the planned addition of a statement about lifelong learning skills through information literacy instruction as one of the precepts in the section entitled "Philosophy." Also the "Services," section addresses programs "of library user instruction designed to instill independent and effective information literacy skills while specifically meeting the learner-supported needs of the extended academic community." The committee also decided to go forward with the guidelines without a section on outcomes assessment, but a task force will develop a statement to be added at a later date. Approximately 6 attended.

Reported by Sharon Lee Stewart, University of Alabama Sstewart@gorgas.Lib.ua.edu

The committee is developing an annotated bibliography on the subject of instructing librarians to teach. This bibliography is based on one developed by a former chair of the committee. Subtopics members will pursue before a June 15 deadline are 1) evaluation of learning, and 2) learning theory and cognitive styles. Another project concerning an annotated bibliography of doctoral dissertations on the subject of library instruction was given the go-ahead. A subcommittee will develop criteria to judge the manuscripts for inclusion and will expand the list to include master's theses. Dissemination of the bibliographies from these projects is intended to be through the ACRL website. The committee also discussed the National Information Literacy Institute and contributions the committee could make to a website issuing from the IS preconference "Learning to Teach." Approximately 12 attended each meeting.

Reported by Sharon Lee Stewart, University of Alabama Sstewart@gorgas.Lib.ua.edu and Jennalyn Tellman, University of Arizona Jennalyn@Library.arizona.edu

This committee is moving forward on several projects. Members are drafting a survey to evaluate effectiveness of instruction sessions why illustrating concern for the diverse populations being surveyed. Survey drafts may be available on the web later. The committee's video project, which would have featured reference interactions between librarians and actors representing members of diverse populations, has been abandoned. Committee members were concerned that the video could reinforce stereotyping. Another ongoing project-a glossary in which library terms have been defined in English and translated into 5 common languages--has been moved to ACRL's Communications Committee. This project includes research which has been submitted for publication. The committee is also working on ideas for programs to be offered at future ALA conferences. Ideas being explored include a program to help librarians assess research skill levels of international students in their library instruction sessions. Thirteen people attended.

Reported by Ellen Kessler, Queens Borough Public Library Ellenk@queens.lib.ny.us

The Management of Instruction Services Committee is working on a website (not yet publicly available) to enhance the abilities of academic and research librarians involved in bibliographic instruction. This site will include teaching resources, such as a 10-point, step-by-step tip sheet to help librarians with new bibliographic instruction responsibilities learn how to teach. It can also provide guidelines for library management to monitor and guide the teaching progress of new BI librarians. A list of resource persons who can serve as informal, personalized mentors for new professionals has also been discussed. Once complete, this website will be linked to ACRL's.

Reported by May Chau, Oregon State University chaum@ccmail.orst.edu

At Midwinter, this new committee met for the first time. The members developed a statement that forms the parameters of the subject area they will research for the next six months. The subject is the "assessment of learning outcomes and teaching and delivery methods applicable to formal library instruction." The research will entail conducting a literature review of library and non-library publications, asking for experts to come forward through a BI-L query, contacting LOEX about existing materials, and touching base with other ACRL research committees. Approximately 15 attended.

Reported by Sharon Lee Stewart, University of Alabama Sstewart@gorgas.Lib.ua.edu

This meeting was preceded by a brainstorming session sponsored by the committee on "Distance Education and Library Instruction: The Brave New World." It was felt that most librarians who attended the session were new to distance education and wanted to learn what others were doing. Ideas included having a link to the library's home page from the professor's Web page for the class, and giving library instruction at remote campuses on the weekend. The Active Learning Sourcebook the group has been working on should be available at the Annual meeting. The committee wants to develop a Web site that lists online tutorials that have been critically evaluated according to an Argus Clearinghouse Rating System. The review would be included next to the link to access the tutorial. Approximately 10 attended.

Reported by Elaine Gass, Texas A & M University Elaineg@tamu.edu

This lively discussion, sponsored by the ACRL/LPSS Library Instruction Committee, strayed at times from its intended focus on law and political science but brought out many issues of importance to all BI practitioners. Issues addressed included the impact on instruction of the movement from standalone sources to web-based access, new teaching techniques and approaches that become necessary once hands-on opportunities are made available, the creation of individual web pages to support teaching content, how to manage large-group instruction, and how to acquaint faculty with the growing array of new electronic resources. It appeared that most attendees came away with practical information they could apply to their home environments. Approximately 20 attended the session.

Reported by Michael Poma, Creighton University Mapoma@creighton.edu

The meeting began with a report from the committee on foreign credentials. Some issues of concern include the fact that the present temporary basis for the process lacks specificity and the fact that individuals, rather than foreign institutions, are accredited. This issue is on the IFLA agenda; however, they have not taken action yet. A motion was made and approved to recommend UK and Australian accreditation be recognized by ALA. A motion was made and approved to accept ALISE as a co-sponsor of the ALA Committee on Education's program at the summer 1998 annual meeting. A motion was also made and approved to recommend that ALA Council include an ALISE member slot on the ALA Committee on Education. The group discussed whether there were sufficient resources to support a Continuing Education Clearinghouse and plans for a website containing pertinent information. The committee also discussed a report from the Task Force on Accrediting Library Technicians, competencies for serving young adults, and ideas for upcoming conference programs. Approximately 20 people attended.

Reported by Jennalyn Tellman, University of Arizona Jennalyn@Library.arizona.edu

The attendees discussed their experiences teaching college-level courses on children's literature and shared assignments. Two people attended.

Reported by Elaine Gass, Texas A & M University Elaineg@tamu.edu
 

LIRT News, March 1998. Volume 20, number 3.
To report problems, please contact the LIRT News Production editor at edwards@ufl.edu

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