Strategic Priorities
- Teaching and learning expertise
- Foundational-level information literacy instruction
- Programming for outreach and student engagement
- Instructional classrooms and learning spaces
Library Learning Services is engaged in the following activities in each of our strategic priority areas:
Teaching and Learning Expertise
- Training for Peer Research Consultants in the Search Bar in collaboration with the Knowledge Commons
- Learning activity repository of instructional activities, mapped to foundational learning outcomes
- Training for ENGL 15 instructors in methods to teach source evaluation through a workshop for ENGL 602 (a support class for new ENGL15 instructors)
- Orientations on the topic of library instruction integration into courses for new instructors to the ENGL 15, CAS100A, and ESL 15 courses
- Workshops on information literacy topics for Penn State librarians and staff
- Presentations on topics of library instruction, research integration, information literacy badges, and embedded librarianship to World Campus Academic Advisors, Program Planning Management, and Instructional Designers
Foundational-level information literacy instruction
Library instruction sessions for ENGL, CAS, and ESL classes
Coordination of library instruction and engagement activities for the Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP), including:
- Pop-up Libraries in student dining commons
- Library Escape Rooms
- Library Resource Fair
- Library tour training for all LEAP student mentors
Creation and evaluation of digital badges, a form of online microcredentialing consisting of tiered learning activities for which students earn badges upon mastery. Current badges include:
- Information Literacy Badges- 10 badges grouped into three ‘meta-badges’ and one master or “Uber” badge
- The Library Connection - provides a library orientation experience for World Campus (online) students
- Citation/Academic Integrity Badges – used by both graduate and undergraduate courses
Teaching credit courses
- LST 83 –explores the navigation of the information environment through the lens of information evaluation
- LA 201W –provides students with an understanding of a distinctive model of performance assessment – the learning portfolio
Programming for Outreach and Student Engagement
Orientation Activities
- New Student Orientation; Student, faculty, staff, and community tours of the library; Resource Fairs across campus
Supporting First Year Students
- Open House; LEAP events
Embracing and Supporting the Penn State Community
- De-Stress Fest; Human Library; Parents & Families Weekend; Pop-Up Libraries; International Write-In
Community Outreach
- High school visits; Summer program visits (Upward Bound, Student Research Opportunities, PA School for Excellence in the Ag Sciences)
Instructional Classrooms and Learning Spaces
Physical Spaces:
- Management of library classrooms and learning spaces
Online Spaces:
- Library presence in Canvas via Libguides
- Libraries’ Learning Portal, an entry point for access to the libraries’ teaching and learning support materials