NJLA-CUS/ACRL-NJ - Teaching Thursdays

Teaching Thursdays is a joint initiative between NJLA-CUS/ACRL-NJ and NJASL. The purpose is to provide professional development opportunities for Academic and School Librarians to explore various instruction strategies, techniques, tools, and resources.

What are Teaching Thursdays?- A virtual teaching circle led by academic librarians focused on sharing lesson plans, instruction tools and strategies, and other resources. The program focuses on the instruction of information literacy skills, subject-based research, and college or career readiness skills.
When are Teaching Thursdays? Held once a month on Thursdays , 3:30-4:15pm. See the schedule for dates and times and to register.
Why offer Teaching Thursdays? To provide professional development for NJ School Librarians. To enhance organizational collaborations between NJLA-CUS/ACRL-NJ and NJASL. To create a continuum of Information Literacy Skill development for NJ students from Kindergarten through higher education.
Who is leading Teaching Thursdays? NJ Academic Librarians. For questions contact Gary Marks at marksg@wpunj.edu

Spring 2024 Teaching Thursdays Schedule

Thursday, February 29th 3:30-4:15pm
- Presenter(s)-Justin Savage & Drew Wallace, Montclair State University
- Topic: Getting Students Started with Career Research
- Register Here

Abstract

- This presentation hopes to equip K-12 librarians with effective strategies and resources for guiding students in conducting career research. By utilizing publicly-available online tools, librarians can enhance students' ability to explore various career options and make informed decisions about their future pathways. The demonstration portion of the presentation will highlight a couple of useful career research tools including the Occupational Outlook Handbook–an online resource published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that provides searchable, comprehensive information about hundreds of occupations. In addition to exploring these tools, librarians will discuss how career research is interwoven with information and data literacy. The presenters hope to foster a lively discussion of the ways librarians can incorporate career research into library programming in their schools.

Thursday, March 21st 3:30-4:15pm
- Presenter(s)-Cheyenne Riehl & Jessica Martorano, Stockton University
- Topic: Breaking Down Walls: Helping School Librarians Demystify Academic Libraries
- Register Here

Abstract

- In an era where libraries are often perceived as silent repositories of books, the essence of academic libraries is frequently misunderstood, particularly by students transitioning from high school to college. This presentation aims to demystify the reading room-like imagery surrounding academic libraries, reframing them as dynamic, inclusive gathering spaces that extend beyond quiet study areas. We will share strategies and ideas for school librarians to communicate the value of academic libraries with an emphasis on library space as one of the most important services a university has to offer. Through this presentation, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the modern academic library, equipped with knowledge and strategies to reshape their students' perceptions about academic libraries and nurture future student success.

Thursday, April 18th 3:30-4:15pm
- Presenter(s)-Jill Lagerstrom, NJIT
- Topic: When you're not the instructor
- Register Here

Abstract

- 1. Create a lesson plan for the class instructor (a non-librarian) to teach information literacy concepts in a freshman writing class, first year seminar, or any class with a large number of sections

2. Methods for aligning course objectives, humanizing online learning, UDL, using video and asynchronous communication3. Consider this a strategy for preserving in-class instruction when you don't have enough library staff to cover every section

Thursday, May 16th 3:30-4:15pm
- Presenter(s)- Neil Grimes, William Paterson University
- Topic: Grant writing for School Librarians: Get your idea funded
- Register Here

Abstract

- This session will provide an understanding of how to research and write grants that support the work of New Jersey school librarians. There will be a focus on specific foundations and grants that the presenter has identified that provide funding and support for various resources and programs. The presenter will also share how to search for foundations and funding agencies that provide funding for libraries. As part of this session, the presenter will provide guidance on how to write the narrative for grants along with other relevant tips to ensure you meet your grant deadline. The presenter will also share his own personal experiences in helping school librarians from the Paterson Public Schools work on grant applications that were awarded as well as a few examples of successfully funded grants.

Spring 2024 Teaching Thursdays Schedule

Thursday, February 29th 3:30-4:15pm

Topic: Getting Students Started with Career Research

Register Here

Abstract

Thursday, March 21st 3:30-4:15pm

Topic: Breaking Down Walls: Helping School Librarians Demystify Academic Libraries

Register Here

Abstract

Thursday, April 18th 3:30-4:15pm

Topic: When you're not the instructor

Register Here

Abstract

Thursday, May 16th 3:30-4:15pm

Topic: Grant writing for School Librarians: Get your idea funded

Register Here

Abstract