Instructional Design in Libraries
Working Smarter, Not Harder!
Presented by Austin Stroud
Overview
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Introduction
Getting to know your audience
Deciding instructional programming and documentation
Finding resources to save you time
Ideas for further promoting digital literacy in your library
Work Background
Name: Austin Stroud
Current Positions: Instructional Designer at the Monroe County Public
Library and Adjunct Faculty in Ivy Tech Community College’s Library
Technical Assistant program
Past Work: Mitchell Community Public Library, Bedford Public Library,
Brownsburg Public Library, Indiana University Main Library, WebLink
International, Harrison College, Ivy Tech Community College
Pepe
Biggie
Lily
Education Background
Education: Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies
Master of Science in Education (Instructional Systems Technology)
Master of Library Science – Indiana University
Audience Information
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In the public library environment, I see a wider variety of patron needs –
in the academic environment, however, I do see many non-traditional
learners that present challenges from the norm
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Patrons taking more advanced computer classes generally have a
better understanding of how to use a computer
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Patrons in the basic computer classes (computer basics, email,
Microsoft Word, etc.) generally need more one-on-one attention
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For staff members, each department has its own unique training needs
and desires
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Adapt to your audience – always have handouts and tip sheets on hand
as take home job aids, but if only a couple of people show up: find out
what they want to learn and go from there
Characteristics for Success
• Kindness
• Approachability
• Patience
• Versatility
• Ability to think quick on your feet
• Desire to continually learn
• Sense of humor
Needs Assessment
• Survey staff and patrons to identify specific needs
• Some class topics are a given for having an interest, such as
Microsoft Word – basic computer classes are always needed
• Some things to consider when building a class/training:
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How long should the training be?
What time of day and day of week should the training be offered?
Where should the training be held (think of equipment needs)?
Who is the target audience for the training (what skills are necessary)?
What instructional methods should be used (video, lecture, books, PowerPoint,
handouts, etc.)?
– Should the training be online only, face-to-face, or both?
– Should the topic be broken up into multiple sessions?
• These questions and more can ALL be answered through surveying
the staff and patrons you are serving
• Different branches have different training needs – survey each
separately
Needs Assessment
• Introduce what you are hoping to accomplish
• Provide prompts when soliciting feedback to avoid
general answers like “anything” or “everything”
• Don’t ask two questions at once
• Multiple choice response options need to be balanced –
Examples:
Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor, Very Poor OR Very satisfied,
satisfied, Undecided, Unsatisfied, Very unsatisfied
Try New Things - Experiment
• Some classes you try will not work
• If registration is low, there probably is not much need for that class
(or the timing is off)
• Be open to trying new things and experimenting to find what works
best in instructing a given topic
• Use a variety of instructional methods, as not everyone learns the
same way
• Be mindful of staff and patrons with disabilities – create classes that
anyone could take
• If you show it in the class, have it in a handout for the staff or
patrons to take with them (or a link to a resource at the very least)
• Have a backup plan in case the technology fails – don’t put all of
your eggs in one basket
Course Offerings
Past/Present/Future Offerings:
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft
Access, Microsoft Publisher, Organizing/Editing Photos (Gimp),
Taking Pictures (Staff Cameras), Computer Basics, Internet Basics,
Gmail, Open Source Software, Typing/Keyboarding, Online Job
Searching, Budgeting with Microsoft Excel, Twitter, Facebook,
LinkedIn, Web Design, Open Lab Technology Question & Answer,
Video Editing (Windows Movie Maker), GIS
Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
• Where possible, utilize some free training materials available on the
Internet (be mindful of copyright)
• Find out what other libraries are doing – ask to use what they
already have created
• Seek some volunteer or intern assistance
• Play off of staff strengths – you could have a subject matter expert
on a given topic already on staff
Network for Ideas and Help
• ALA Think Tank:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ALAthinkTANK/
• LibraryAware Lab:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lalab/
• LinkedIn Groups:
– American Library Association
– WebJunction
– Training&Development
Free Training Resources
Northstar Digital Literacy Project
http://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/
• Engaging assessments for learners on: computer
basics, the Internet, Microsoft Word, email, Windows 7,
and Mac OS X
• Assessment standards can be found here:
http://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/standards.php
Free Training Resources
Goodwill Community Foundation
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/
• Engaging videos and tutorials for learners on: computer
basics, the Internet, Microsoft Office, social media,
operating systems, etc. (as well as math/reading
resources)
• All of the technology course offerings can be found here:
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computers
Free Training Resources
CustomGuide
http://www.customguide.com/
• Helpful tip sheets for learners on: computer basics,
mobile devices, Microsoft Office, operating systems, etc.
• Quick reference guides are free, just fill out the contact
form to sign up:
http://www.customguide.com/computer-training/quick-references
Free Training Resources
Microsoft Office
http://office.microsoft.com/
• Free tip sheets and self-paced courses on all parts of
Microsoft Office (any version)
• Just do a search for what you are looking for!
Ideas for Promoting Digital Literacy
• Blog about technology – keep it short (writing or
screencasts)
• Don’t implement any new service or piece of equipment
without properly training a variety of staff members
• Offer one-on-one sessions – MCPL has a series of staff
members that rotate in monthly rotations to offer these
• Offer open labs where those you are servicing can come
ask anything or bring in a tablet/e-reader for help
• Don’t forget the needs assessment – the patrons you are
serving have a voice, too
Ideas for Promoting Digital Literacy
A vision of students today (looking to the future):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o
My Contact Information
Austin Stroud
303 East Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408
812-349-3050 ext. 1666
astroud@mcpl.info
https://www.facebook.com/austintstroud
https://twitter.com/austroud
http://www.linkedin.com/in/austinstroud/
Connect with the
Monroe County Public Library
Website: http://mcpl.info/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcpl.info
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcplindiana
Questions/Comments?
Thank you!