The (Un)Common Instructor: A New Role for Medical Librarians Beyond Information Literacy

Abstract

University common reading programs provide a shared experience as students transition into college life and develop critical thinking skills. Typically in such programs, all students in an incoming class read and discuss the same book. Conversely, the University of Florida Honors Program’s (un)common reads facilitates the same skills development through multiple small sections, each focusing on a different book and each with flexible and innovative assignments and activities. Health Science Center librarians have taught in these (un)common reads since the spring semester 2010–2011. This article describes librarian involvement in this program as well as the ensuing benefits for students, librarians, and the university at large.

KEYWORDS:

• Common reading
• curriculum development
• discussion courses
• honors courses
• instruction
• librarians
• popular medicine
• undergraduate students

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Susan Harnett

Susan Harnett, MLS ([email protected]) is Medical Information Services Librarian, Borland Library, University of Florida, 653-1 West Eighth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209.

Margaret Ansell

Margaret Ansell, MLIS ([email protected]) is Nursing & Consumer Health Liaison Librarian, Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Nina Stoyan-Rosenzweig

Nina Stoyan-Rosenzweig, MA ([email protected]) is Archivist and Historian of the Health Science Center, and affiliated faculty in two other colleges, Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Nancy Schaefer

Nancy Schaefer, MLIS ([email protected]) is Reference and Instruction Librarian, Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Ariel F. Pomputius

Ariel F. Pomputius, MLIS ([email protected]) is Health Sciences Liaison Librarian, Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Mary E. Edwards

Mary E. Edwards, MLIS, EdD ([email protected]) is Reference and Instruction Librarian, Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Michele R. Tennant

Michele R. Tennant, PhD, MLIS ([email protected]) is Associate Director, Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610.