Empowering Library Instructors: Reflections on the Information Literacy Scholars Program at Syracuse University Libraries

Abstract

The need for authentic work experience is a concern for most graduates entering the field of librarianship. For academic librarians, authentic teaching experience is particularly desired, and while some courses are offered in most library and information science grad uate programs, few pair the coursework with opportunities for practical applications. At institutions with LIS programs, there can be partnerships with the university or college library. The Information Literacy Scholars Program at Syracuse University is one such program. In 2018, the newly hired information literacy librarian at Syracuse Univer sity Libraries (SUL) approached the Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) to consider a partnership aimed at providing Library and Information Science graduate students with critical teaching experience while also increasing the Libraries’ capacity to teach information literacy to undergraduate students. The Information Liter acy (IL) Scholars Program was launched in 2019, with a cohort of six students selected via a competitive process. The program has accepted a new cohort each year. It is worth noting that while the program is on track, it was adjusted during its first years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the first three cohorts’ experiences were influenced by the pandemic and the sudden shift to virtual learning, their insights demonstrate how an experiential program can adapt and support students even in times of rapid and often uncertain change.