Flipping the Library

The results of the four year study Modeling the Information-Seeking Strategies of College Students conducted by Dr. Alison J. Head (for summary notes and links to her Jan. 10, 2012 presentation click here, for access to the study and data click here), provide a great opportunity to re-think library curricula, and how we deliver instruction.


We now have evidence that college age students can be described as:

• Risk-averse
• Consistently choose to play it safe
•  Self-taught
• Independent 
• Hyper-aware of currency - place value on the most recent information 
• Rely on the design quality of a website as an evaluative tool 
• Prefer to settle for getting through the assignment rather than engage in a deep learning experience

We also know that they rely on their instructors/professors for the bulk of their information, research guidance, and prefer not to ask librarians for assistance.

As a high school librarian, how do I teach the skills they will need at college and in real life search situations, when I have evidence that they will not seek help from a librarian? Flipping the library may be the answer. The "Flipped Classroom" delivers content instruction online, outside the classroom, and moves homework into the classroom. Information skills are perfect for flipping.

As we move into the spring we will be actively flipping lessons. Online tutorials followed by short Google form formative assessments will mean students will arrive for research sessions and go straight to the laptops. No "yada yada password yada yada full text only yada yada" from me at the front of the room. I will have the results of the assessment from the night before and can directly work with students who either failed the assessment or didn't take it.

Students who are ready to deeply engage can get straight to work, using me as a guide and resource when they need help. I will also be monitoring their progress and providing feedback on their sources through NoodleTools. I will have more capacity to directly support students who are struggling.

The data clearly shows that my high school students will soon be the same college students described in the study. Making sure they have good online learning skills will increase their confidence as they continue to be independent, risk-averse, and self-taught.

That's the plan! 

Flipped Classroom Infographic

Created by Knewton and Column Five Media

Photo Credit:
Flickr Creative Commons
Alessi Handstand
by Mikee Showbiz