Lightening Strike Poster Sessions

Sharing Knowledge: Knowledge Mobilization and the Academic Librarian
Presented by: Laura Koltutsky, University of Calgary

Granting agencies are requiring evidence of knowledge translation. Knowledge Translation is about opening up information to academics, stakeholders and the public; moving knowledge into active service.

Laura recommends attending workshops on grant applications. There is also a two day training session on knowledge translation within Alberta through the Alberta Innovates Health Sciences group.

Grant Application Process

• Work as a collaborator
• Literature / systematic reviews

Knowledge Translation / Mobilization Steps

• World Café Structure

Resource Creation

• Libguides 

Ultimately, this work leads to a greater understanding of the grant process and how best to work with researchers and faculty members.

Applying Universal Design to Information Literacy Instruction
Presented by Andrea Miller-Nesbitt, McGill University

Universal Design is defined as “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaption of specialized design” (Connell et al, 1997).

As instructors it is important for us to think of the diverse group of participants that may be attending our session and how these differences might affect how the learning takes place.

Universal Design for Instruction

• Equitable use - verbally spell words and well as adding the word to the search box
• Flexibility in use - html instead of PDF because of use of screen readers
• Simple and intuitive - avoid library jargon, build on past experience of the student - individual practice
• Perceptible information
• Tolerance for error
• Low physical effort
• Size and space for approach and use - lighting and sound, are you aware of specialized equipment and how to use them
• Community of learners - encourage collaboration, bring a sign-up sheet to instruction so that students can sign up for individual sessions, webinars
• Instructional climate

Information Instruction that is designed and accessible for all students, so that no special accommodations are required for individual students. Andrea does acknowledge that in specific cases certain accommodations may need to be made due to the special need for equipment that is required by the individual. Making these changes will benefit all students.

A Sampling of Post-Secondary Integrated Information Literacy Programs in BC
Presented by: Jennifer Brownlow, Vancouver Island University and Jennifer Sigalet, Okanagon College

• Gather information about best practices for integrating information competencies into first year curricula
• Outline how other launched their grassroots programs with a limited supply of librarians
• Learn more about creating an information literate institution

Integration of information literacy skills into all first year research based English classes at Okanagan College
In a five year timeline, the process included a case study, action plan, pilot project, formal review and implementation, and finally the ongoing evaluation of program and exploration of possible expansion into other disciplines.

Another model explored by University of the Fraser Valley
Collaborative course redesign, pilot program and then implementation system wide

Kwantlen Polytechnic University
2 - 3 credit units courses containing an IL assignment worth 5% that is graded by the librarians (first and third year)

Vancouver Island University
Permanent IL module in English and liberal arts courses reaching all students containing an IL assignment worth 10% but the librarian was not involved with the grading of the assignment.

Ongoing discussions:

• Integrating IL
• Incorporating active learning techniques 

Success:

• Incorporating IL into academic strategy for the university  

Unshelving the Human Learning Library at Your Institution
Presenting by: Robyn Hall and Sona Macnaughton, Red Deer College

http://rbc.libguides.com/HumanLibrary  
http://humanlibrary.org/

The Human Library goal is to encourage individuals to be living books and to engage in small group discussions; greater appreciation of diversity. Red Deer College used the concept as a professional development activity and created book covers to market the event.

For their second event, RDC librarians worked directly with the Education Undergrad Society and promoted the event through posters, social media, the Public Library and the Public and Separate School Systems in Red Deer. 13 human books with a total of 19 titles were offered at the event. Participants were provided with an icebreaker bookmarks, but the human books liked to talk and ended up not requiring any prompting.

Recommendations:

• A human what? Clearly define the event, creating, recruiting, and promoting the event by the event
• What’s in it for me? Try to incorporate a human library into a classroom assignment or partner with campus student organizations
• Plan ahead - up to 8 months in advance 
• Timing is everything - beginning of either term would have been more beneficial to attract a larger audience 
• Location, Location, Location - need a lot of nooks for private discussions with smaller groups of individuals 
• Go with the flow - be flexible - some discussions happened organically and not within the time limitations 
• Provide refreshments 
• Use our stuff!