Presented at LILAC 2015

1. Interactive learning in library inductions at university for the creative arts
Coco Nijhoff, University of Westminster, coco.nijhoff@gmail.com
Large group library inductions in a lecture theatre at the beginning of term are considered to
be one of the more challenging scenarios for delivery. This Teachmeet presents an activity in
which students in groups of 30-90 are introduced to the library and its resources, using an
activity to engage them and to connect their ideas with the content presented. The session was
conceived as a collaboration between the Learning and Teaching Librarian and the Learning
Development Tutor, who is responsible for supporting students with their reading, writing
and critical skills.
Students are given instructions to write down any memorable past experience doing research,
from any point in their lives, on the Post-it note. They are also told that it is fine to discuss the
exercise with each other.
After students individually write their experiences on Post-it notes, they are encouraged to
discuss what they have written informally with peers who are sitting nearby. After several
minutes, the librarian collects and reads the Post-its (depending on the size of the group, this
might be done by two or three people) and reports back to the entire group what has been
shared, addressing commonalities and themes which have been raised. The activity serves as
a lead-in to a PowerPoint presentation and live demonstration of library resources. Students’
written comments are woven into the content of the talk, including how the library and its
resources can address any problems and needs which have been raised.
The activity elicits contributions from the students around their experiences. Students’
contributions and ideas are linked to the librarian’s presentation, creating more effective and
engaging session overall.