Teaching to Teach: Developing a Collaborative Instruction Training Program for MLIS Interns

Abstract

Learning how to teach as an academic librarian can take many forms. Some are thrown into the deep end with little to no support. Some use pure grit to work through crippling fear of public speaking and feelings of imposter syndrome. Some, although probably very few, come to academic librarianship with actual teacher training and an understanding of pedagogical theory and effective instruction strategies. While everyone’s journey to becoming a confident, effective instructor is unique, there are limited opportunities for mentorship and training across the field. At Loyola University Chicago (LUC) Libraries, a collaborative and differentiated instruction training program was developed for MLIS interns with the goal to provide support during the process of learning to teach.