The "Blue Book" for Library Instruction

I find it most difficult to write about the study this week because of the wide range of valuable materials related to design for Library Instruction. I truly wanted to discuss all of the resources that we covered, but the most exciting resource for me was The Blue Book on Information Age Inquiry, Instruction, and Literacy, written by Daniel Callison and Leslie Preddy (Callison, n.d.). This resource serves as a guidebook for inquiry, instruction, and literacy that incorporates effective standard practices and procedures for library professionals. The focus from the book this week was chapter seven, Instructional Models Applied to Inquiry, which covers a wide range of planning models ranging from the preparatory model of Robert Gagne’, to the AASL Program Assessment Rubric provided by the American Association of School Librarians. These models provide guidance throughout the process of instructional design. I recommend this book as a guidebook for all Library Instruction Professionals.

The sheer number of theories, models, and strategies can seem intimidating and confusing at times; but by utilizing the “Blue Book” one may find tried and true models and strategies for instructional literacy required of Library Media Specialists. Utilizing these resources is sure to provide engaging and effective instruction for a wide variety of publics. With practice of these models it can be expected that the development of solid practices of teaching and learning can take place, meeting the expectations of students, peers, and administrators alike. Theories, models, and strategies presented can all be applied with a constructivist approach; providing cross-disciplinary foundation and application.

Interested in studying Library Instruction? Check out The University of Southern Mississippi

Want to learn more about teaching/learning styles? Visit The Think Center

References

Callison, D. (n.d.). Instructional Models Applied to Inquiry. In D. C. Preddy, The Blue Book on Information Age Inquiry, Instruction and Literacy (pp. 118-130). Westport: Libraries Unlimited.