LOEX Annual Conference 2009

"A little bit of this, a little bit of that, chat, chat, chat" - Another dimension in blended instruction
Julie Mason, Graduate Student, San Jose State University

With the growing popularity of chat reference in the last decade, there are many opportunities for librarians to provide instruction through these digital reference services.  One unexpected opportunity arose from students using the Ask a UC Librarian service.  General Chemistry students participating in a library orientation exercise as part of their lab program were using chat reference help to complete their 10-point assignment on Blackboard.  This poster presentation reviews the literature on the best practices for providing instruction through digital reference services and recommends ways UC librarians can make it an optimum learning experience for the general chemistry students.

Live and online!  Developing drop-in library instruction sessions for distance learners
Robin Miller, Graduate Student, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

With synchronous virtual classrooms for distance learners, libraries can expand the potential audience for information literacy instruction.  Using Dimdim, a free online meeting program, the University of Illinois Library has piloted synchronous online instruction sessions designed to engage the University’s increasing population of distance learners.  Live instruction sessions in the virtual classroom enable the library to integrate the needs of distance learners into instruction programs for students of all disciplines.  This poster highlights the technology used to deliver synchronous workshops, and illustrates strategies for engaging distance learners in live online library instruction.

Branding your library with a broadcast
Lora Smallman, Library Resident/Fellow, Parkland College Library

All quiet on the Web 2.0 front?  Then tune in to this poster session and forge ahead with information literacy programs!  Web 2.0 technologies are often free and with careful planning, are easy to implement.  This poster session features what preparation goes into one of these emerging trends, podcasting.  Establishing a podcast at a library has the potential to brand not only the physical space, but also the services it offers.  Learn how well other libraries are creatively pioneering podcasts.  Come and explore how your library can take the road less traveled and begin providing library instruction near and far.

LibGuides: a resource for every teaching situation & learning style
Marisa Spooner, Library Resident/Fellow, National-Louis University

The National-Louis University Library uses LibGuides as an online resource guide, and a tool to deliver instruction both face to face, and online. The poster session will highlight some successful guides, best practices for creating guides, and student/faculty feedback.

Librarians without borders: Techie spaces
Nancy Trimm and Paul Mascareñas, Graduate Students, Emporia State University

This poster session will demonstrate how different types of libraries can partner with one another and with community organizations to provide on-site, just-in-time computer and technology training. Academic and public librarians work together to enhance the value of the library to their community by providing outreach via computer instruction in neighborhood spaces and places.