Southern California Instruction Librarians: A California Academic and Research Libraries (CARL) Interest GroupSCIL Works Call for Proposals

“Putting Theory into Practice: the ‘Why’ Behind Instructional Strategies”
January, 25, 2008; Claremont Colleges, Claremont CA


Proposals for presentations and poster sessions at the 2008 SCIL Works are now being accepted. The annual SCIL Works is half-day program in which local instruction librarians exchange ideas and share what’s new in information literacy practice and programming at their institutions. The theme for SCIL Works 2008 is: “Putting Theory into Practice: the ‘Why’ Behind Instructional Strategies” Librarians are responsible for providing instruction about library resources and services on a daily basis and in a variety of formats. We are always looking for new ways to teach information literacy skills, concepts, and principles, often looking to our colleagues for new ideas and inspirations. We also may discover existing theory and research that provide a framework to support our instructional design decisions. These theories may come from a variety of disciplines including library science, educational psychology and communication.

This program will give librarians an opportunity to share how they have used theories to make pedagogical and
assessment decisions. Successful proposals will answer such questions as:

  • What theory(ies) have I used to support instructional design decisions for my class?
  • Is there evidence that the instructional theories I am using is effective?
  • I really like what a particular expert says about teaching x concept or principle. How have I applied this in my
    classes?

Proposals should address the following:

  • Present a problem/dilemma
  • Describe why a particular theory(ies) was selected to solve the problem
  • Reflect on the effectiveness of the instructional implementation (e.g. have outcomes been met?)
  • Provide a framework for participants so that they can implement instructional strategies at their own
    institutions
  • Discuss implications for working with stakeholders
  • Discuss impact on the information literacy program on their campus, if applicable (i.e. time, cost, resources, etc.)

Proposals should be no longer than 300 words. Presentations will be 45 - 60 minutes in length. Presentation rooms are equipped with Internet access and a projector. Please include any additional technology and room arrangement preferences. Poster session guidelines are available.

The submission deadline is Friday, October 26, 2007. SCIL will notify presenters by Friday, November 9, 2007. Please submit proposals electronically to Dominique Turnbow, SCIL Vice-Chair / Chair-Elect. If you have questions, feel free to contact Dominique via email or at 858 534-1195.