University of Maryland Libraries

CLUE Meeting Minutes - February 23, 2000

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In attendance:
Trudi Hahn, Maggie Cunningham, Karen Fishman, Zaida Diaz, Bob Kackley, Pat Herron, Paula Greenwell

Absent:
Carleton Jackson (excused)

Guest:
None.

1. Beyond the Basics. The working subgroup to revise the script and accompanying materials worked for five weeks in January/early February. The result is a an outline and worksheet for a session that can last 50, 60, or 75 minutes depending on whether it is a walk-in session (60 minutes) or a session scheduled during the class time of a section of Professional Writing (50 or 75 minutes). Thus far, the feedback has been positive.

The working group also contributed ideas to a "basics" Web page (www.lib.umd.edu/UES/basics.html), and Mary Lou Cumberpatch created it. Instructors can point to this Web page rather than spend time teaching the basics in class.

2. Journal list issue. In response to a complaint in the suggestion box, the group discussed various reasons why the Libraries do not provide a list of journals to which we subscribe. We currently receive about 35,000 journals, and journal titles change frequently. It is important to emphasize this in instruction sessions.

Zaida asked when an evaluation is done of a new online catalog system, can we look for the capability to create a journal list? Is creating a list of journals a requirement that we can expect to see in a new system?

3. Teaching general classes.

Group discussed how instructors teaching VICTORWeb classes should communicate with their partners prior to the class and show up at the class early. The communication before classes will dispel any anxieties that either party has about the class. Coming to the class early allows any problems that crop up to be handled. It also makes a good impression on the students entering the room when someone is there to greet them.

VICTORWeb classes are done by volunteer instructors and assistants. When the list of volunteers and their scheduled times are confirmed, they are relied upon to do show up. If a volunteer cannot meet the schedule, she or he should try to find a substitute.

RESULT: Trudi sent a general reminder about these points to volunteers and instructors.

4. Staff development in instruction.

Group discussed what training would be desirable and needed by people involved in instruction. Some examples are Advanced Powerpoint and a Drama Workshop which teaches expression and body movement leading to building self-confidence and better communication. Further details about these workshops will be announced when they are finalized.

Possible best times to have these workshops are late April to June, and maybe another session in August.

Action: Trudi has sent a message to solicit interest about the drama workshop. Trudi will work with Bette Ann Hubbard to implement the PowerPoint and drama workshops.

5. Survey of ENGL 101 TAs.

ENGL 101 TAs were asked if User Ed could survey their classes after their library session. The classes are contacted 2 weeks after they are taught.
Note: The Special Lecturers were an experiment that seemed to be extremely successful. However, evaluations given at the end of classes taught by the lecturers are first impressions and usually an evaluation of the instructor. The survey of the class will attempt to assess what they learned or used from their library experience.

The group brainstormed questions for the survey:
What specific research did you do? Database used? Topics?
Did you find what you were looking for?
Snags?
Would you like a second session? What should it include?
What did you learn in the library session that you actually used?

Action: Maggie took the suggestions and designed the survey. The Special Lecturers helped to revise her draft. Survey results will be shared with CLUE later in the semester.

6. Communication within CLUE and with other staff.

The group discussed how CLUE can involve people who do not feel they are connected with discussions. Suggestions: e-mail everyone; pinpoint items important for feedback; distribute minutes; solicit feedback, which is always welcome.

7. Interactive tutorial.

An interactive tutorial will be designed to cover the "basics." Other libraries' tutorials have been collected by Gina Calia and Mary Lou Cumberpatch:

www.lib.umd.edu/UES/acotaw.html

The group discussed best practices, derived from an examination of other tutorials. Does a volunteer subgroup or CLUE or User Education staff design the tutorial? User Education will begin the work soon, and solicit ideas and feedback. Need feedback also from undergraduate students and library student assistants.

8. McKeldin Virtual Tour

The group viewed the Virtual Tour on the Libraries' Web site before coming to the meeting. Pat submitted changes and additions to the text. An announcement about the Virtual Tour is forthcoming soon [note: a few photos still have to be completed].

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Last Revised: February 23, 2000