Sharing Our Success: Using a Teaching Training Program to Improve Info Lit Instruction and Support MLIS Students

Abstract

The University of Maryland Libraries Research and Teaching Fellowship prepares MLIS graduate students to enter into a competitive academic job market. The scaffolded training program equips fellows with the skills and experience to perform entry-level public services functions including: information literacy instruction, research assistance, basic program assessment, and peer training. The fellowship goes beyond basic job responsibilities to prepare fellows to step into faculty roles by providing funding and support for professional development, including presentations, posters, and conferences; engaging in discussions about current literature with academic librarians through a monthly journal club; and the opportunity to lead a small scale research and assessment project of their choosing. Finally, it supports fellows through their job search processes by providing career readiness workshops, mentorship, and a supportive community of practice.