February 18, 2022
Libraries in the Classroom: Training Tomorrow’s Library & Information Science Leaders
The UW Information School’s (iSchool) Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, like many other programs, often integrates active practitioner experiences into learning. UW Libraries are a natural partner on campus, and proximity and local context create many opportunities for collaboration. At the same time, the teaching experience benefits UW Libraries by providing valuable insight into MLIS student needs and perspectives.
Did you know?The library science master’s program at the University of Washington is ranked #2 in the U.S.!
What is an iSchool? |
“We are passionate about developing, mentoring, and encouraging the next generation of information and library professionals. Working directly with MLIS students is one way we accomplish this,” says Jackie Belanger, Director of Libraries Assessment and Planning.
In fall 2021, Belanger and Librarian Robin Chin Roemer taught LIS 580: Management of Information Organizations, a required graduate course that covers everything from theories of management to planning, budgeting, communication and how to prepare organizations for change over time. While the course is tailored for the library context, the skills are applicable across disciplines.
“Having the opportunity to engage with students directly in a classroom setting keeps us mindful of and empathetic to the overall experience of students, and to different ways of designing effective learning programs and new types of student resources,” says Chin Roemer.
“Having the opportunity to engage with students directly in a classroom setting keeps us mindful of and empathetic to the overall experience of students, and to different ways of designing effective learning programs and new types of student resources.”
Librarians Emily Keller and Alyssa Deutschler both teach Principles of Information Services (LIS 521), an elective that explores how libraries and other organizations establish information services to serve their user information needs– including virtual reference, outreach, assessment and specialized areas of reference such as genealogy and health information.
“One of the most interesting points in the class is interrogating the relationship between librarians/library workers and users, and finding ways to establish partnerships, rather than being seen as all-knowing gatekeepers; developing communications skills for clearly understanding needs and navigating the interaction in different modes,” says Keller, who has been teaching the online course for the past nine years.
UW Librarian expertise is also sought out by other iSchools across the U.S. For example, Belanger and Chin-Roehmer will conduct a guest lecture at Syracuse University’s iSchool this spring and Matt Parsons and Madison Sullivan are recent guest instructors at San Jose State University, teaching courses on Maps and GIS and Visual Resources Curation and Arts Librarianship respectively.
Since March 2020, UW Librarians and staff have taught over 800 instruction sessions, including Libraries sessions for classes, workshops not affiliated with a particular course, and course credit classes.
In mid-2023, iSchool students and faculty will have even more opportunities for collaboration when the first floor space in Allen Library will be retrofitted to become a home for iSchool programs with strong connections to the academic and public mission of UW Libraries, including the Center for an Informed Public (CIP), the Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) and the Distinguished Practitioner in Residence.
For more information on how UW Libraries can support your classes now, or in spring quarter, visit Libraries Teaching and Learning Services and UW Libraries Faculty Guidance.
Faculty and Students – share your story: If you have taken a class from a UW Librarian, or have engaged UW Librarians in helping to teach your class, we would love to hear about your experience and how it benefited your studies and/or teaching! Email us.
