February 11, 2013 Meeting of User Education Committee

Agenda not yet available.

Members Present: Melody Allison (13), Susan Avery (ex officio), Merinda Hensley (ex officio), Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe (ex officio) – Chair, Carissa Phillips (13), Elizabeth Sheehan (13), Mark Wardecker (14), Sandra Wolf (14)

Members Absent: Ryan Ross (14), Mara Thacker (14)

Additional Attendees: Emma Clausen (Information Literacy GA)

1. FYI – Upcoming 2012-2013 Meetings – 10:00-11:00 am

2. Welcome and Agenda Review

Lisa welcomed committee members. Lisa reviewed the agenda and asked committee members if there were any additional items to add.

3. Acclamation and Accolades

Emma shared that she will present a poster at LOEX this spring. A total of five graduate students will be presenting posters. The committee discussed fostering an environment in the Library that provides opportunities for and encourages graduate students to contribute to scholarly output.

4. Request-able Savvy Researcher

Overview

Merinda shared that faculty and graduate students have made several requests for Savvy Researcher sessions over the last few years. With this rise in awareness of Savvy Research offerings, Merinda decided to pilot a request-able session format available to the campus. An email was sent to Savvy instructors to gauge interest in participation in the pilot. At this time, the sessions have not been advertised widely in order to manage requests and teaching load. Merinda noted that these sessions are limited to a group of five or more and that over a dozen requests have been placed. Susan noted that room 289 in the Undergraduate Library through CITES lab library can accommodate large groups.

Relationship with Subject Specialists

The committee discussed the relationship between Savvy teaching librarians and subject specialists. Maintaining communication with subject specialists will be important so that they are aware of requests from specific departments and able to identify needs of the populations they serve.

The committee discussed LEEP distance education students and access to Savvy Researcher sessions and other online learning opportunities. The committee discussed the need for an e- position and how the position could support online education initiatives and lead professional development for librarians to understand critical pedagogical practices in the online environment, adaptation of content, and the necessary technology. The focus on online learning in the teaching academies across campus was also discussed. The committee discussed clearly communicating with the Executive Committee about online environment and learners and the need for support in this area.

5. Blackboard Collaborate Update

Lisa shared that unit accounts have been created for all library units and that she is beginning to work with those that expressed interest in being the first adopters of this platform. First unit adopters/functions include: International and Area Studies Library, Sousa Archives and Center For American Music, the Mortenson Center, and Government Information. The Library is currently working with OCE to configure rooms and set up the virtual spaces. Lisa will meet with the units/functions individually to discuss pedagogical practices and address any questions or concerns. Graduate Assistants Julia Pollack and Emma Clausen will be working to develop documentation and training materials for the Library.

6. LibGuides and Ask-A-Librarian

The committee continued last month’s discussion of potentially requiring the Ask-A-Librarian widget on all LibGuides. The committee decided that such a policy will not be pursued but that the inclusion of the chat widget will be encouraged and training and support will be provided. The committee discussed customization options, cloning elements of LibGuides, and templates. The committee also discussed subject areas and guides where the chat widget may not be appropriate, e.g. Japanese and Chinese legal resources, given the necessary support for the specialized nature of the content and services.

7. MOOCs

Overview of Campus Initiative

Lisa gave an overview of MOOCs, campus participation in MOOCs, and the campus partnership with Coursera. Last year faculty were chosen to participate in the initiative; a call for next year’s MOOC courses was recently released by campus. The committee discussed a recent Senate meeting presentation on the topic and the course selection process. The committee discussed ongoing awareness of developments in this area and it was mentioned that the American Council on Education recently recommended that certain MOOC courses be accepted for transfer credit.

Update on Library Involvement

Lisa noted that she, Beth Sandore, Sarah Shreeves, Sue Searing, Mary Laskowski, and Paula Kaufman have all been engaged with this initiative to understand how the library might develop resources and support for the initiative and comply with copyright. There are conversations underway to identify a formal library liaison to the MOOC Initiative.

The committee discussed innovations in teaching with regard to developing and facilitating MOOCs, as well as how their structure encourages information literacy in the use of open web resources. The committee also discussed the possibility of leveraging open access to scholarly resources in the MOOC environment.

8. Information Literacy Graduate Assistant Request for 2013-2014

Sue Searing submitted the graduate assistant request for the Office of Services. The position would support all members of the Office of Services as would the proposed GA for assessment. Lisa noted that with an upcoming sabbatical and the sabbatical coverage plans by those in the office, these GA positions are essential.

9. Spring Information Literacy Workshop

The committee discussed potential speakers and their appeal to a broad audience within the Library. The committee was enthusiastic about taking a year off from an invited speaker to follow a different model including workshops and sessions led by librarians on campus. The committee discussed Blackboard Collaborate, clickers, and other topics that would build skills in the Library.

10. Announcements/Open Discussion

The committee discussed the “Is Primo Right for Me?” guide created by the Primo implementation team. Lisa asked committee members to review the guide. Primo help materials are still in the development process. Once they are available, Lisa asked committee members to send feedback about content, language, and organization to her and Susan.

Submitted by Emma Clausen