Lightning Talks

Cardboard Classroom: Strategies for Utilizing VR in Library Instruction
Matt Benzing (Computing & Engineering Librarian) @ Miami University

Google Cardboard has rendered immersive VR experiences easy and affordable. Experiments like the New York Times VR site show that there is a great deal of potential for using this technology as a learning tool. This session will discuss strategies for implementing VR library instruction that engages learners and exploits the innate benefits that it provides.

Creating an iBook with iAuthor
Corrine Syster (Reference & Instruction Librarian) @ Harrisburg Area Community College

Four librarians participated in a grant which was used to produce an iBook using Apple's software and technology. With four iPads and a MacBook Air at their disposal, they worked together to write "Libraries & Research: Getting Started" and published it as a free book in the iTunes store. This talk will share what we used, how we used it and what surprises we encountered along the way.

From Garbage to Garden: Composting Instructional Concepts to Improve LibGuides
Katy Kavanagh Webb (Head, Research & Instructional Services) @ East Carolina University

Joyner Library has attempted to address issues with out-of-date content in LibGuides by conducting an annual group cleanup project during the lull in classroom instruction occurring over the summer. The project reuses known concepts from the college classroom to frame the instruction, including syllabi, scaffolding, active learning, office hours, and peer review. Brief, bi-weekly instruction sessions focus on a feature of LibGuides or a best practice in web design. Using a gardening theme, this lightning talk will outline how to conduct a sequential cleanup of LibGuides at any library—right in time for the summer break.

Seeking Multicultural Connections: Designing Your Own Human Library
Beth Malapanes (Faculty Librarian) @ GateWay Community College

The Human Library consists of sessions where “readers” are able to “check out” a human book who has a story to share about experiences with stereotyping or prejudice. Through meaningful conversations, “readers” listen to a “book” chosen from the available catalog that addresses a personally held prejudice in order to appreciate the humanity in all people. This talk will include a link to a detailed guidelines on how to organize a Human Library event, photographs from the event, and qualitative feedback from both “book” and “reader” participants and the use of this unique strategy for collaborating with faculty across disciplines.

Welcome to the Learning Theater: Presenting Library 101!
Kimberly Kefgen (Lead Learning Experience Specialist) @ Teachers College, Columbia University

Re-imagining library orientation as a theatrical experience:

This fall the Gottesman Libraries will open the Smith Learning Theater - a high tech black box theatre for teaching, learning and education research. Challenged to "crack" our traditional library orientation, we experiment using film, games, and theatrical performance to uncover the evolution of library tools through the lives and work of TC scholars.