these conversations would contribute to stronger relationships between the library and academic programs, and would potentially inform a broad span of library functions. Additionally the information gleaned would help develop mutually agreed-upon priorities that could help elevate the library liaison’s contributions from benefiting individual courses one at a time to impacting the department on the “network level.” Another core function identified was the provision of instruction through in-person course-integrated sessions, synchronous and asynchronous online environments, and alternative models that better support deep learning. While librarians are familiar with the traditional in-person, one-shot, lecture model, all other formats were newer for most library liaisons. As librarians worked with faculty for the Mellon initiative they developed excellent models of new types of “deliverables” for a broad spectrum of disciplines.5 With a solid grounding in the differences, benefits, and design of other models for instruction, library liaisons would be prepared to suggest alternatives that best suit the course goals, support student learning, and utilize the librarian’s time effectively. Equally compelling was the potential of systematic training for graduate student instructors (GSIs). The Berkeley campus is privileged to have the GSI Teaching & Resource Center that provides workshops, consultations, classroom observations, awards, and a Web-based course on professional standards and ethics in teaching for all interested GSIs, and for the faculty who mentor and guide them. The staff of the GSI Teaching & Resource Center were key partners for the Mellon initiative, and through that process became more aware of the pedagogical interests and expertise within the Library. The library liaison to the GSI Teaching & Resource Center contributes to professional development programs for these future faculty members, and works closely with the faculty leading seminars on teaching in the discipline (required for all first-time GSIs). Library liaisons have piloted other creative approaches for graduate students in general, such as integrating information literacy and research training as part of the preparation for graduate students who introduce visiting speakers throughout the year. Graduate students, whether conducting research on their own or learning to guide undergraduate students through the process, benefit enormously from interaction with their library liaisons and the Library could make the most of successful experiences by sharing them more broadly with all liaisons to emulate or adapt. RLI 265 12 Amplifying the Educational Role of Librarians ( C O N T I N U E D ) AUGUST 2009 RESEARCH LIBRARY ISSUES: A BIMONTHLY REPORT FROM ARL, CNI, AND SPARC
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