SL Models

Last spring, I approached an English composition instructor, Stephanie Dickey, about integrating a research component into her English 102 service-learning intensive course.  I sent Stephanie Jennifer Nutefall's article: "The relationship between service learning and research."  (see Recommended Reading for the full citation).  Jennifer had done something similar with a composition instructor at George Washington University.

During Tuesday morning's class, our students discussed the web sites they found for homework.  They each found three web sites relating to assessing reading skills for K-8 students.  They decided in groups which they would deem the "best" and discussed with the entire class what criteria they considered in choosing the best web site.  After this practice in evaluating the web sites they chose, we provided a brief introduction to the Education Research Complete database, so they were prepared to find 3 articles on the same topic for homework.

Week 1 was full of logistics and housekeeping.  An experienced SL instructor and faculty liaison to the Office of Service Learning, Dr. Sarah Twill (Social Work), presented "What's this service learning thing Cheryl and Maureen are making me do?" The students also met Becky Garvin, the interim director of Project READ, who explained to them what the agency does for our community.  She thanked them for the work they are about to do for Project READ and our community.

Service learning (SL) has been an important part of my career for the past two years.  I devoured SL literature, and discovered that SL is discussed infrequently in the library literature (although I have discovered a few more SL fans in library land).    I integrated SL into four models of  information literacy & library instruction. I hope to share my experiences with other librarians, and start a conversation about the connections between SL and information literacy.  I must admit,  I hope this blog will help propel SL into library conferences, literature and conversations.