How do you evaluate and improve your own online library instruction skills and competencies?

1 Identify your goals and objectives

Before you design or deliver any online library instruction, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. What are the specific learning outcomes that you want your learners to attain? How do they relate to the information literacy standards and frameworks of your institution or discipline? How will you assess your learners' progress and performance? Having well-defined goals and objectives will help you plan your online instruction, choose the most appropriate methods and tools, and evaluate your effectiveness.

2 Choose the best format and platform

Online library instruction can take various forms, such as synchronous or asynchronous, live or recorded, interactive or passive, individual or collaborative, and so on. Depending on your goals, objectives, audience, and resources, you need to decide which format and platform will suit your online instruction best. For example, if you want to demonstrate a database search or a citation tool, you might use a screen-capture video or a webinar. If you want to foster discussion or reflection, you might use a discussion board or a blog. If you want to provide feedback or guidance, you might use email or chat. Whatever format and platform you choose, make sure that it is accessible, user-friendly, and reliable.

3 Engage your learners

One of the main challenges of online library instruction is to keep your learners interested and motivated. To capture and sustain their attention, it takes more effort and creativity than face-to-face instruction. You can use clear and concise language, visuals, and audio to convey your message and avoid information overload. Examples, scenarios, stories, or case studies that relate to your learners' needs, interests, and experiences can also be used to engage them. Incorporating questions, polls, quizzes, games, or other activities can stimulate their curiosity, participation, and feedback. Additionally, injecting a bit of humor, emotion, or surprise into the learning experience can create a positive and memorable atmosphere.

4 Evaluate your outcomes and feedback

After delivering your online library instruction, it is important to evaluate the success of your goals and objectives, as well as the satisfaction of your learners. To do this, you can use pre- and post-tests, surveys, rubrics, or portfolios to measure knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Analytics, statistics, or reports can be used to track behavior, engagement, and performance during instruction. Lastly, comments, reviews, ratings, or testimonials can be used to reflect opinions and preferences about the instruction.

5 Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses

Based on the data and feedback that you collected from your evaluation, you need to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses as an online library instructor. What did you do well and what did you not do well? What worked and what did not work? What did you learn and what did you not learn? What did you enjoy and what did you not enjoy? By reflecting on your own online library instruction practice, you can identify your areas of improvement and development, and plan your next steps.

6 Seek professional development opportunities

To improve your online library instruction skills and competencies, professional development opportunities should be sought. There are various sources of professional development online, such as webinars, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, courses, workshops, certificates, degrees, communities, networks, forums, and groups. These sources offer tips, insights, updates on online library instruction topics, formal training or education on theories and principles, as well as peer support and mentoring for issues and solutions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?