It Takes a Village to Design a Course: Embedding a Librarian in Course Design

Abstract

Often associated with online learning, instructional design is a process utilized in efficiently designing training and instruction to help ensure effectiveness. Typically, the instructional systems design (ISD) process uses a team-based approach, consisting of an instructor, a facilitator, a designer and a subject matter expert. Although library services and information literacy instruction are an essential component of a quality online learning experience, course designers do not always consider them during the design process. Embedded librarians can be valuable members of the instructional design team, helping to develop the course and including information literacy concepts from the onset. As experts in research and technology, librarians can guide the design process by aligning research projects and assignments with library services and resources, and other available media. In this paper, the authors will present information about embedding librarians in the instructional design process, the ISD process itself, and provide examples illustrating how librarians can collaborate in the design process.

KEYWORDS:

• embedded librarianship
• instructional systems design
• distance learning