IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group Spring Conference 2023

Thank you to all who were able to attend this year's IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group meeting! We so appreciated being able to connect with so many new faces, and touch base with friends we’ve known for years! We had 21 people attend the IL Interest Group session held May 24, 2023 in Dubuque, IA at Loras College. 

We broke our time into a few segments: 

• We started with a little orientation to the session and our activities and outlined our expectations for everyone to get the most from our time together. We also took a brief moment to breathe deeply together (shout out to so many of the free videos from Headspace that are available on YouTube – you’ll find the one we used embedded in our slides below). Those who participated in person also had access to some fidget toys, coloring books, and candy to help de-stress or focus throughout the session.
• Then we transitioned into Table Topics - We've brought together the notes from each group and posted them in the embedded Google Doc below. The topics were: 
• Self-care and recharging
• Building community in trying times
• Tech tools to make your life easier
• Chat GPT & AI
• Instruction ideas
• As facilitators, it is always hard to stop when we’re hearing all of the fantastic conversations happening in the Table Topics time—But we did, switching gears to allow time for the Solution or Sympathy activity where participants wrote down instruction/library-related questions or concerns; shared the questions anonymously to see if the group has experienced something similar; and offered up possible solutions, or sympathized to let the person who submitted the question know that at least they're not alone.
• We wrapped up our time together by celebrating the big and little things in the Wins: Now and Later segment. We asked for your successes, to share something you're proud of--whether it was a major project or a singular moment. We enjoyed celebrating our colleagues’ accomplishments!

Thank you again to everyone who participated! These sessions are truly so valuable because of what you bring to the conversations! We are grateful to have such intelligent, creative, and invested colleagues throughout Iowa! 

Link to Table Topics notes in Google Drive.

IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group Spring Conference 2022

Thank you to all who were able to attend this year's IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group meeting! It was wonderful to see familiar faces, and get to know folks who are new to Iowa's academic libraries! We had 17 people attend the IL Interest Group session held May 20, 2022. 

We broke our time into 3 segments: 

• We began with our familiar Solution or Sympathy activity where participants wrote down instruction/library-related questions or concerns; shared the questions anonymously to see if the group has experienced something similar; and offered up possible solutions, or sympathized to let the person who submitted the question know that at least they're not alone.
• We celebrated the big and little things in the Wins This Year segment. We asked for your successes, to share something you're proud of--whether it was a major project or a singular moment. We enjoyed celebrating each others' accomplishments.
• Then we transitioned into Discussion Groups (AKA Table Topics) - We've brought together the notes from each group and posted them in the embedded Google Doc below. 

Thank you again to everyone who participated! These interest group sessions are so rich and meaningful because of what you bring to the conversations! 

IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group Spring Conference 2021

Thanks to all who were able to attend this year's IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group meeting! Especially now, it felt great to connect with wonderful colleagues from around the state! This was a new conference format being fully online, but the conference planners did bring back some familiar elements by continuing to combine the Iowa Library Association ACRL conference with the IPAL conference. We had 28 people attend the IL Discussion Group breakout room on May 21, 2021. We began our time together with our familiar Solution or Sympathy activity where participants reflected using Padlet. Then we transitioned into New, Old, & On-Trend - an activity where participants reflected on new things they tried this year and wanted to keep, things they used to do but now realize energy is better spent elsewhere, and those things that we used to do/are still doing that aren't going away anytime soon. This year instead of more breakout rooms, we transitioned Table Topics into an asynchronous format for folks to share and reflect. All are linked in the embedded Google Doc below. 

 

IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group Spring Conference 2020

 

This spring has turned our worlds upside-down. (Perhaps a better description is that we're stuck in a constant cycle between heavy-duty spin and tumble dry?) Either way, with the shift of both IPAL and ILA/ACRL to a shortened, online meeting rather than an in-person schedule, we decided to take a moment this spring and give each other some grace. 

We so value being able to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and connect in this way and we're excited to catch back up (Coronavirus permitting) at the next spring IPAL and ILA/ACRL gathering! 

Already looking forward to spring 2021!

IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group Spring Conference 2019 Recap

Info Lit Interest Group 2019 by dbqreference

Thanks to all who were able to attend this year's IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group meeting! How fortunate are we to have such rich conversations and be able to connect with wonderful colleagues from around the state?! This was the second year for the new conference format which combines the Iowa Library Association ACRL conference with the IPAL conference. We had 31 people attend on May 23, 2019 at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids. We began our time together sharing out wins from the year. We celebrated victories, big and small, with the large group. Then we transitioned into Table Topics groups. The various topics and associated group notes are embedded below. 

 
Thank you to all who attended and shared ideas, resources, and experiences! We're looking forward to carrying the conversations and connections into the next year!

IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group Spring Conference 2018 Recap

IPAL/ILA ACRL 2018 by cstone

Thanks to all who were able to attend this year's IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group meeting! We had rich conversations and were able to connect with many colleagues from around the state. We had a new conference format which combined the Iowa Library Association ACRL conference with the IPAL conference, and we had 27 people attend on June 1, 2018 at Drake University in Des Moines. We began our time together sharing out ideas for Professional Development on a shoestring. Those ideas are embedded below.



 After that we broke into Table Topics groups. The themes were:

• Communication: how can we communicate with colleagues and college constituents? convey value of IL, libraries, and more?
• Across: how can we collaborate across institutions for research, presentations, scholarship? 
• Resource bias and "real news:" how do we acknowledge bias in sources and translate that into resource credibility/assessment understanding w/ patrons
• Techniques and strategies: successful instruction and student engagement strategies, lessons that worked, teaching/class activities, ways to engage through IL
• Social justice: diversity, equity, inclusion in the IL context

We've done our best to interpret handwriting, but let us know if we missed something! We've embedded those notes below.

Finally we wrapped up with Solution or Sympathy. We've embedded below the talking points, and we'll also include the asks we weren't able to get to in person -- feel free to continue the conversation in the comments on this post!

Thank you to all who participated in the conversation and for your helpful feedback and interest in helping in the future! We're so grateful to work in a state with such wonderful colleagues!

IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group Spring Conference 2017 Recap

Eighteen attended this year's in-person IL Interest Group session. We began with brief introductions sharing IL instruction session successes and then shifted into Conversation Circles. Attendees could choose from one of the following topics for their discussions:

• IL Reflection 
• Lesson Planning
• Instruction Materials and Management
• Reluctant Instructors
• Distance Learners

As you'll read below, the conversations were rich and the idea sharing was valuable! We allowed folks to rotate after about 30 minutes of discussion, because sometimes it's hard just to choose one topic! Embedded below are the notes from those conversations, as well as notes from the Solution or Sympathy activity. One additional thing to note was the election of Sarah Slaughter, University of Dubuque, to serve as a member of the Richard Fyffe Scholarship Selection Committee. We thank her for her willingness and enthusiasm to serve!

Conversation Circle & Solution or Sympathy Notes:

IPAL Information Literacy Interest Group Spring Conference 2016 Recap

Twenty-three attended the Information Literacy Interest Group session held March 19, 2016 at Grand View University in Des Moines. We began with brief introductions followed by a guided reflection on teaching characteristics and non-traditional learning objects or experiences based on Char Booth’s Reflective teaching, effective learning: Instructional literacy for library educators. Individuals articulated influential instructors from their past or peer group and the attributes they most admire or wish to emulate in their own teaching. Participants also identified three memorable non-classroom-based learning experiences that connected them with a meaningful way to learn. That prompted a lively small-group discussion.

Kristy Raine provided an instruction example that modeled connecting instruction and outcomes to the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. The small groups then reconvened to discuss and brainstorm how they may apply the Framework and modify their current instruction. Each small group recorded their Framework brainstorming, which is shared below.

If you are interested in being part of the planning process for future events like this, fall ILA conference meet-ups, online hangouts, or would like to contribute guest posts to the blog, please indicate your interest here: http://goo.gl/forms/cWAoMJ75zvRyqEmP2





Below are the materials used or created during the event.

Slides/Prompts:

Reflective Teaching Activity prompts/chart:


Kristy Raine's lesson example connecting instruction and outcomes to the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education:

Be a Volkswagen Detective: Show Me What You Know:

Defeat Devices and Mistakes: The Emissions Scandal and the Future of Volkswagen:

ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education Pocket Guide:


Framework "Solution or Sympathy" group brainstorming:
Group 1


Group 2


Group 3


Group 4


Group 5

IPAL 2016 IL Interest Group - May 19 Preview

In the world of bibliographic instruction, librarians know that “anything goes.”   Your role varies with each class, instructors’ expectations, planned activities, goals in teaching, and the inevitable chaos (and joy) that can result.

You are invited to join the morning session of the Information Literacy Interest Group (IPAL) to discuss challenges, successes, and other unique situations that are part of a teaching librarian’s life. The IPAL Conference will be held on May 19, 2016 at Grand View University in Des Moines.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a description of a recent teaching activity.  The session will feature time to explore your selection in light of the new ACRL Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education. Those with an interest in library instruction, whether you’re from a small, private college, or a large, Regent university, are welcome to attend! This session runs from 10:15 a.m.-noon.

 Questions about the upcoming IL group session can be directed to Cara Stone, Grand View University (cstone [@] grandview.edu), Becky Canovan, University of Dubuque (BCanovan [@] dbq.ued), and Kristy Raine, Mount Mercy University (kraine [@] mtmercy.edu).

Idea Generators from Social Media

https://www.flickr.com/photos/souvenirsofcanada/16667983308 

I lurk on social media. 

I watch and listen and wait for inspiration to strike (or ideas to steal). Occasionally I’ll post a note or share something in a group, but mostly I listen and appreciate the community that is librarianship. But there’s a certain level of pressure associated with social media. Who should I follow? How much should I participate? What if I want to stop following this big, important, well-known library person because it winds up I’m not interested in their kitty pictures (because sometimes, I’m just really not in the mood). Just as it takes some of us a bit longer to realize that it is okay to give up on a book that’s just not doing it for us, we can do the same with social media. I quit Snapchat so hard, and I’m more than okay with that. We all have the right to say “Nah, that’s not my deal” and walk away.

But sometimes I need a reminder, so here are some things I remind myself about social media:

• It is what you make of it, and what you want it to be. Do all of it or none of it or something in between. It’s okay.
• You can’t read everything on Twitter, or even Facebook, now. There’s just too much content. It’s ok to sit back and see what rises to the top. If it’s important it will likely be shared more than once and you’ll catch it then.
• What rises up will likely be under this bubble or filter of bias, meaning like people share similar views and, thus, similar things. Remember to step outside of that bubble to get multiple perspectives, especially if it is something that is important to you.
• Different networks are for different things, even though the same content is sometimes shared across multiple platforms. Try out a few, figure out which is the best fit, and go from there.
• Feel free to lurk. I lurk in Facebook groups, on Twitter, on Foursquare, and learn a lot about what I like and don’t like about certain formats.
• If you have something to say, if you feel like it’s worth sharing then put it out there! We’re all just learning from each other!

In terms of library idea-sharing, which groups do I appreciate the most? Here are just a few (certainly not a complete or exhaustive list), along with a brief description:

• LMaO - Library Marketing and Outreach: https://www.facebook.com/groups/acrl.lmao/?ref=browser
• This group is so awesome! I love the pictures and questions shared! The group description says, “An ACRL group created for Academic Librarians interested in Marketing and Outreach. Please share ideas and events from your libraries! This group is for: - Sharing ideas, resources, websites, software, etc. to help us market our libraries and their services. Emphasis on FREE or low cost resources! - Show off the work you do: your success stories and your failures, ask for help from others, and plan for local meet ups in your state to exchange ideas!”
• eLearning in Libraries: https://www.facebook.com/groups/459190367552515/?ref=browser
• According to the description, “This is a group for anyone who is interested in developing e-learning for library purposes. We will share ideas and engage in discussion about e-learning.  Public, academic, school, and special library staff are all encouraged to join. E-learning can include screencasts, tutorials, videos, and any other training delivered in an online format, and may be for library staff or patrons.”
• I love taking ideas and seeing how many different formats I can deliver it with--Can I take an online video idea and turn it into a classroom activity? Let’s try! Plus, learning about new tech tools is always a good idea!
• ILA ACRL: https://www.facebook.com/groups/120059458020282/?ref=browser
• I love staying connected with local folks and hearing about issues, successes, and everything in between, so this group is great! “Iowa Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries division discussion group. Membership in this Facebook group is open to everyone, everywhere. Maintained by ILA ACRL Electronic Communications Committee.”
• ALA Think Tank: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ALAthinkTANK/
• I know there are tons of folks who absolutely love this group. I was in for a bit and decided it was 1) too much stuff, and 2) not always relevant to me in my small-library life.

If you’re looking to lurk on other libraries’ pages, check out this compilation of links from 2013:

• http://www.mattanderson.org/blog/2013/01/31/100-libraries-to-follow-on-facebook/

Pages I don’t follow but probably should:

• Web Junction: https://www.facebook.com/WebJunctionNews
• Library Journal: https://www.facebook.com/Library-Journal-11249119181/
• Learning Round Table of the ALA: https://www.facebook.com/ALALearning
• CILIP Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals: https://www.facebook.com/CILIP-119527011399432/?ref=ts
• School Library Journal: https://www.facebook.com/SchoolLibraryJournal
• ALSC: https://www.facebook.com/Associationforlibraryservicetochildren?ref=ts&v=wall
• YALSA: https://www.facebook.com/yalsa?ref=ts&v=wall
• PLA: https://www.facebook.com/pla.org
• The Digital Shift: https://www.facebook.com/thedigitalshift/

Things I forget about on Twitter until they pop up:

• #CritLib https://twitter.com/hashtag/critlib?src=hash
• #Infolit: https://twitter.com/hashtag/infolit?src=hash
• Kathy Schrock: https://twitter.com/kathyschrock
• #IALibChat: https://twitter.com/IAlibchat
• Inside Higher Ed: https://twitter.com/insidehighered
• Barbara Fister: https://twitter.com/bfister
• Creative Library Practice: https://twitter.com/creativelibprac
• American Library Association: https://twitter.com/ALALibrary
• Lauren Pressley: https://twitter.com/laurenpressley
• ILA: https://twitter.com/IowaLA
• ALA Booklist: https://twitter.com/ALA_Booklist
• Bookriot: https://twitter.com/BookRiot

Where do you lurk to find the best ideas? Where do you find the best sense of community online? Share in the comments below!