Teaching Adult Learners: A Guide for Public Librarians

(Paperback)

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Description

As adult instruction becomes a more common part of library practice, librarians need guidance in an area that may not always have been a part of their library science education. This book provides the instruction necessary to instruct adult patrons. Presenting complex concepts and ideas in an easy-to-understand format, this book applies learning theory to real-life situations and provides a much-needed resource for those responsible for or seeking to instruct adults in library settings. The book introduces learning principles and techniques that will enhance your classes, programs, and one-on-one interactions as well as increase the memory retention of participants. It will help you not only to promote learning but also to create positive library interactions and build retention. Current library instructional and theoretical texts address instructional programming but do not explain how the instructor handles learning instruction differently for individuals, general audiences, and specific audiences, or in passive situations such as through handouts or online interactions. This guide differs from other works in that it addresses all adult services positions, not only those with the title of "instructional librarian," and addresses the full scope of instruction that librarians need to better meet patron needs.

Reviews

This is a worthwhile source for all librarians, especially MLIS students and reference librarians working with adults. * Library Journal *
This brief, clear, approachable guide to teaching adult learners in a public library setting is an apt and welcome breath of clarity and call to action in librarianship. It would certainly benefit public librarians who find themselves teaching more often than not. It would also be greatly useful for any librarian who currently teaches adults, as it succinctly applies theory to logical, meaningful practice. * The Library Quarterly *

Author Bio

Jessica A. Curtis is an adult services librarian at the Westerville Public Library in Ohio as well as an adjunct instructor for Kent State University's iSchool.