How do you develop your own professional skills and competencies for online and blended library instruction?

1 Assess your needs

The first step to develop your own professional skills and competencies for online and blended library instruction is to assess your current strengths and weaknesses. You can use self-assessment tools, such as the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy Sandbox or the Digital Literacy Competency Calculator, to identify your areas of improvement and set your learning objectives. You can also solicit feedback from your colleagues, students, or instructors to gain insights into your performance and impact.

2 Learn from others

The second step to develop your own professional skills and competencies for online and blended library instruction is to learn from others. You can benefit from the experiences and best practices of other librarians who have successfully implemented online and blended library instruction. You can join online communities, such as the ACRL Instruction Section, the LOEX Clearinghouse for Library Instruction, or the ALA Connect, to network, share, and collaborate with other librarians. You can also attend webinars, workshops, or courses, such as the ACRL e-Learning Program, the Library Juice Academy, or the iSchool at San Jose State University, to update your knowledge and skills.

3 Experiment with tools

The third step to develop your own professional skills and competencies for online and blended library instruction is to experiment with tools. You can explore various tools and platforms that can help you create and deliver online and blended library instruction, such as learning management systems, video conferencing software, screencasting tools, interactive modules, or digital badges. You can test different features and functions of these tools, such as quizzes, polls, chat, breakout rooms, or analytics, to enhance your online and blended library instruction. You can also evaluate the usability, accessibility, and pedagogical value of these tools for your specific context and audience.

4 Design for engagement

The fourth step to develop your own professional skills and competencies for online and blended library instruction is to design for engagement. You can apply the principles of instructional design, such as alignment, scaffolding, feedback, or assessment, to plan and structure your online and blended library instruction. You can also use the strategies of active learning, such as problem-based learning, case studies, simulations, or games, to foster student engagement and interaction. You can also incorporate the elements of universal design for learning, such as multiple means of representation, expression, or engagement, to address the diverse needs and preferences of your online and blended learners.

5 Reflect on your practice

The fifth step to develop your own professional skills and competencies for online and blended library instruction is to reflect on your practice. You can use various methods and tools, such as surveys, rubrics, portfolios, or journals, to collect and analyze data on your online and blended library instruction. You can use the data to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of your online and blended library instruction on student learning outcomes and satisfaction. You can also use the data to identify the challenges and successes of your online and blended library instruction and to inform your future decisions and actions.

6 Seek continuous improvement

The sixth step to develop your own professional skills and competencies for online and blended library instruction is to seek continuous improvement. You can recognize that online and blended library instruction is an ongoing process of learning and development. You can keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in online and blended learning and library instruction. You can also seek opportunities for professional growth and development, such as mentoring, peer review, or certification, to enhance your online and blended library instruction skills and competencies.

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?