The Craft of Librarian Instruction

Library instruction is like a theatre performance. You play a role as the instruction librarian. There is a live audience. You may receive reviews or evaluations. Or maybe the teaching experience feels more like an audition—a bit unnerving! In The Craft of Librarian Instruction: Using Acting Techniques to Create Your Teaching Presence, join Julie Artman, Jeff Sundquist, and Douglas R. Dechow for a fun and creative approach to library instruction as they demonstrate how acting techniques can hone your presentation skills, your teaching style, and your performance to create an invigorating (and stress-free) learning experience for your students.

Using acting methods and techniques, you’ll learn how to:

• Rehearse and prepare for your instruction session by centering yourself through visualization, memorization, and improvisation;
• Connect with your students through personalization and role-playing, and by exploring your teacher identity; and
• Sharpen your unique teaching presence through reflection and intentional instruction.

Vocal and physical preparation and instructional scenarios will reveal potential challenges and pose solutions, and provide tips for deepening your teaching skills. Intended for newly hired instruction librarians, librarians with little or no teaching experience, those dealing with shyness or `stage fright,’ as well as more experienced librarians in need of a refreshed perspective, The Craft of Librarian Instruction: Using Acting Techniques to Create Your Teaching Presence will add an undeniable star quality to your instructional performance!