The Fortuitous Teacher

The Fortuitous Teacher: A Guide to Successful One-Shot Library Instruction discusses how librarians have become accidental teachers in the academic university setting. It covers how (if at all) librarians are prepared by MILS programs to teach, compares typical characteristics of teachers versus librarians, and presents tactics on how to learn effective teaching skills on the job. In addition, readers will learn about the history of library instruction, the different types of library instruction, and the dynamics of one-shot library instruction, classroom culture, faculty buy-in, and collaboration.

Sarah Cisse is a Reference Librarian at the Alvin Sherman Library Research and Information Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University. She received her MILS at Pratt Institute in 2005. Sarah began her library career at the Metropolitan College of New York as an Information Specialist. Previous experience includes positions as Information Assistant in the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology-SUNY, and as Records Manager at the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. Sarah also holds a B.A. in English Literature and an A.A.S. in Advertising and Marketing Communications.

1. The Academic Librarian as 'Accidental Teacher' Introduction Traditional and changing roles of the academic librarian How do Library Science programs prepare librarians to teach? Gaining practical teaching experience Characteristics of teachers versus librarians The Teacher Librarian Conclusion 2. Types of Library Instruction Introduction The history of library instruction Types of library instruction Academic library instruction today One-Shot library instruction- How is it unique? Conclusion 3. Gaining Faculty Buy-in Introduction The history of faculty/librarian collaboration The importance of faculty collaboration Winning strategies for gaining faculty buy-in Planning instruction sessions with faculty Conclusion 4. Assessing Classroom Dynamics Introduction Preparing for one-shot instruction sessions Penetrating the academic classroom culture Show-time: Setting the tone Strategies for engaging student interest Partnering with faculty during instruction sessions Developing classroom management skills Conclusion 5. Practical Tips for Successful One-shot Instruction Introduction Advice from other academic librarians Creating successful one-shot instruction sessions Assessment: building on success What's next? The future of effective library instruction Conclusion