Librarians in the UC Davis Library’s Student Services Department dedicate a significant portion of their work to classroom-based information literacy and research instruction. Because of the limited face-time and interaction allowed in the one-shot instruction format, it is crucial to assess our instruction's content and efficacy to ensure we support student learning without placing an undue burden on undergraduates through overly complicated assessment mechanisms. This presentation will outline the development of departmental assessment tools for information literacy research instruction and how those tools were updated to streamline student input and librarian assessment processes. We will also share how the initial coding of student feedback illuminated key areas of impact in library instruction, resulting in the creation of supplemental instructional materials that directly address student needs while freeing the librarian’s time to teach more in-depth research instruction.
Speaker/Host
William Cuthbertson provides one-on-one help, research assistance, and information literacy instruction for undergraduates within the social sciences, humanities, arts, and business programs. His work focuses on demystifying academic expectations and increasing students’ investment in their collegiate success. He has presented and published on creating primary sources with first-generation students, building community in the classroom, and elevating engagement in online courses.
He was co-chair of the 2021 LOEX conference, and the University Libraries Faculty Fellow for Teaching and Learning at the University of Northern Colorado, 2014-2017. William was Instruction Coordinator at California State University Chico (2017-2024), developing courses in undergraduate research for first year and first-generation students. William has also served as the librarian for Government Information and Political Science at Loyola University Chicago.
Co-speaker(s)
Hi, I'm Melinda M. Livas, a STEM Librarian for Physical Sciences & Engineering at UC Davis. I blend my expertise in information literacy with a deep passion for instructional design, assessment, and teaching with technology. I thrive at the intersection of education and innovation, constantly exploring ways to enhance my teaching practices. I'm excited to facilitate There's a BINGO in my Library Session!, a collaboration with the University Writing Program on gamification and student engagement.” I am also co-presenting, “Qualtrics to the Rescue” with colleague William Cuthbertson, sharing how assessment data can impact library research services for undergrads. Whether refining assessment methods or integrating technology into instruction, I am committed to shaping the future of learning with creativity and precision.