More Powerful Than Paper: Using LibWizard Surveys in Information Literacy

Type of Presentation

Individual paper/presentation (20 minute presentation)

Target Audience

Higher Education

Location

Room 211

Abstract

This fall, Waggoner Library at Trevecca Nazarene University began utilizing the Surveys feature available through Springshare’s LibWizard Lite in face-to-face information literacy sessions. Initially these surveys simply substituted for the paper worksheets previously used for in-class activities and assessments. However, it soon became apparent that LibWizard Surveys provided a more meaningful medium for students to practice new skills and a better tool for librarians to gauge student progress.

As a solo instructor working with large classes, adding interactive elements to information literacy sessions can be hard since it is difficult to assist students concurrently. The ability to include links and images, especially when linking to LibGuides content or video tutorials, can help head off some of the “emergency” questions from students at the informational point of need (Where do I find the database?). This allows the instructor more availability to engage with students on key research skills.

Furthermore, the customizable nature of LibWizard Surveys allows for a variety of question types as well as conditional logic and question grouping. These features allow for more personalized instruction to students in large groups based on their knowledge and understanding, while also gathering more in-depth assessment data for the instructor and professor.

In settings with limited time and resources, LibWizard Surveys have improved in-class activities and assessments. They certainly are more powerful than paper worksheets… and they save trees too!

Presentation Description

Surveys from Springshare’s LibWizard were introduced in information literacy sessions at Trevecca Nazarene University’s Waggoner Library as a substitute for paper worksheets to complete in-class activities and assessments. However, they have proved to provide more meaningful and engaging platform for interaction in the classroom. The pros and cons of this tool, as well as how-to details, will be shared in this session. These surveys are much more powerful than paper… and they save trees too!

Keywords

LibWizard, surveys, assessment, information literacy

Publication Type and Release Option

Event

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Sep 15th, 8:30 AM Sep 15th, 9:45 AM

More Powerful Than Paper: Using LibWizard Surveys in Information Literacy

Room 211

This fall, Waggoner Library at Trevecca Nazarene University began utilizing the Surveys feature available through Springshare’s LibWizard Lite in face-to-face information literacy sessions. Initially these surveys simply substituted for the paper worksheets previously used for in-class activities and assessments. However, it soon became apparent that LibWizard Surveys provided a more meaningful medium for students to practice new skills and a better tool for librarians to gauge student progress.

As a solo instructor working with large classes, adding interactive elements to information literacy sessions can be hard since it is difficult to assist students concurrently. The ability to include links and images, especially when linking to LibGuides content or video tutorials, can help head off some of the “emergency” questions from students at the informational point of need (Where do I find the database?). This allows the instructor more availability to engage with students on key research skills.

Furthermore, the customizable nature of LibWizard Surveys allows for a variety of question types as well as conditional logic and question grouping. These features allow for more personalized instruction to students in large groups based on their knowledge and understanding, while also gathering more in-depth assessment data for the instructor and professor.

In settings with limited time and resources, LibWizard Surveys have improved in-class activities and assessments. They certainly are more powerful than paper worksheets… and they save trees too!