Creating a Toolkit to Empower Library and Archives Instructors

Abstract

Teaching is an essential responsibility of many archivists and librarians working in an academic archive or special collections, but we do not often receive formal pedagogical training. Small Special Collections Library at University of Virginia has implemented an internal toolkit to empower instructors to design and teach one-shot instruction sessions. This poster describes the creation of the toolkit and explains its components, which include sample lessons and learning outcomes, in-class activity examples, and recommendations for trauma-informed approaches to archives instruction. We hope this toolkit can serve as a model for institutions looking to grow their instruction program and create a supportive community of practice.