Teaching Information Literacy Online: Competency-Based Insights for Librarianship and Practice

Type of Presentation

Individual paper/presentation

Conference Strand

Outreach and Partnership

Target Audience

Higher Education

Second Target Audience

K-12

Location

Ballroom B

Relevance

This proposal directly addresses the teaching and learning of information literacy by identifying the competencies academic librarians need to design and deliver effective online instruction. By highlighting both skills and barriers, the study offers practical insights that support librarians in fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and student agency in digital learning environments.

Proposal

In the ever-changing landscape of higher education, the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a radical transformation in instruction, necessitating a rapid shift to online modalities. This shift exposed a critical gap: many academic librarians lacked essential competencies to deliver effective online instruction, potentially compromising student learning outcomes. This research used a competency-based needs assessment to identify the crucial skills academic librarians require to thrive in online teaching, while also examining barriers that limit their ability to adapt to this evolving educational environment.

Although rich in information science principles, traditional Library Science curricula often underprepare librarians for the instructional roles now demanded of them. The pandemic intensified this disconnect, as librarians were pressed to adopt new modalities, navigate unfamiliar technologies, and maintain student engagement in virtual spaces. Questions quickly emerged: How could librarians transition to video-based instruction? What role should asynchronous tutorials and learning management systems play? Could synchronous online sessions replicate the engagement of in-person instruction?

To address these questions, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 18 participants selected for their expertise in instructional design, online learning, and curriculum development within academic libraries. Using iterative coding and analysis, including an experimental use of generative AI as a second code, 24 key competencies were identified as essential for online library instruction and seven significant barriers to adoption.

Our findings reveal both challenge and opportunity. While current master’s programs may not fully equip librarians for online instructional practice, the competencies we identified provide a roadmap for professional development and innovative staffing models that distribute expertise across library teams. In addition, a graduate student in an instructional design and technology program will share her experiences developing online teaching skills and applying them directly to her work as an instruction librarian, highlighting the intersection of education, professional growth, and practice. Together, we will explore practical solutions for fostering inquiry, supporting student agency, and advancing the role of librarians in today’s changing educational landscape.

Short Description

This session shares findings from a study identifying 24 competencies and 7 barriers for effective online library instruction. Using interviews and AI-assisted coding, we highlight professional development needs and strategies. A graduate student/teaching librarian will also discuss applying instructional design skills to practice, bridging education and information literacy.

Keywords

Information Literacy; Online Library Instruction; Competency Development

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Feb 6th, 3:15 PM Feb 6th, 4:00 PM

Teaching Information Literacy Online: Competency-Based Insights for Librarianship and Practice

Ballroom B

In the ever-changing landscape of higher education, the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a radical transformation in instruction, necessitating a rapid shift to online modalities. This shift exposed a critical gap: many academic librarians lacked essential competencies to deliver effective online instruction, potentially compromising student learning outcomes. This research used a competency-based needs assessment to identify the crucial skills academic librarians require to thrive in online teaching, while also examining barriers that limit their ability to adapt to this evolving educational environment.

Although rich in information science principles, traditional Library Science curricula often underprepare librarians for the instructional roles now demanded of them. The pandemic intensified this disconnect, as librarians were pressed to adopt new modalities, navigate unfamiliar technologies, and maintain student engagement in virtual spaces. Questions quickly emerged: How could librarians transition to video-based instruction? What role should asynchronous tutorials and learning management systems play? Could synchronous online sessions replicate the engagement of in-person instruction?

To address these questions, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 18 participants selected for their expertise in instructional design, online learning, and curriculum development within academic libraries. Using iterative coding and analysis, including an experimental use of generative AI as a second code, 24 key competencies were identified as essential for online library instruction and seven significant barriers to adoption.

Our findings reveal both challenge and opportunity. While current master’s programs may not fully equip librarians for online instructional practice, the competencies we identified provide a roadmap for professional development and innovative staffing models that distribute expertise across library teams. In addition, a graduate student in an instructional design and technology program will share her experiences developing online teaching skills and applying them directly to her work as an instruction librarian, highlighting the intersection of education, professional growth, and practice. Together, we will explore practical solutions for fostering inquiry, supporting student agency, and advancing the role of librarians in today’s changing educational landscape.