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Immersion ’08 – PROGRAM TRACK
University of California, San Diego
July 27 – August 1, 2008
The Immersion ’08 Program Track focuses on developing, integrating, and managing institutional and programmatic information literacy programs. Participants selected for the Program Track will develop individual case studies in advance of the Immersion program. Change dynamics, systems thinking, institutional outcomes assessment, scalability, and the integration of teaching, learning, and technology will be brought to bear on analyzing the various programmatic challenges presented in the case studies. Immersion participants will be expected to develop the case studies into an action plan for implementation at the home institution.
After participating in the 4.5 day Immersion Program Track program, a participant will be able to:
- Build partnerships/relationships with individuals and groups on campus in order to elevate information literacy to a campus-wide enterprise.
- Regularly scan the campus and higher education environment in order to use information literacy as a catalyst for the library's participation in educational transformation.
- Engage in ongoing reflective practice in order to create and sustain renewal and growth of information literacy program development and leadership
- Exercise leadership within the library and throughout the campus in order to influence library, curriculum, and instructional decision
- Identify and garner resources in order to build the capacity necessary to accomplish an information literacy mission
- Value risk-taking and looking for the second right answer in order to engage in the creative process.
- Develop a culture of assessment and continuous learning in order to capitalize on strengths as well as opportunities for change.
These outcomes will be achieved through inquiry and examination of the following areas of the curriculum:
- Information Literacy
- Leadership
- Learning Theory
- Teaching
- Assessment
- Program Management
Information Literacy
The information literacy segment of the Immersion Program will examine the evolving educational role of academic librarians with particular emphasis on understanding information literacy as an educational reform movement. Frameworks for conceptualizing information literacy (typologies, research-based models, and national standards) will be presented to assist participants in exploring and refining their own understanding of what information literacy means. Implementation issues will be addressed with particular emphasis on how information literacy relates to critical thinking.
Leadership (working within the academic environment)
The Leadership segment of the Immersion Program will focus on developing and sharpening leadership skills for instruction librarians so they can shape the role of the library in the transformation of higher education. Participants will assess their own leadership skills and explore definitions and practices of leadership. They will become familiar with tools of leadership, including personal and organizational vision, systems thinking, and cultivating campus partnerships. Techniques for the continuing development of leadership skills will be suggested. Emphasis will be placed on developing the participants' image of themselves as leaders and change agents.
Learning Theory
The learning theory segment of the Immersion Program will emphasize the educational and psychological theories that underlie effective teaching practices. Participants will review various theories of learning and the classroom applications based on these theories such as self-directed learning, collaborative and active learning models and conceptual frameworks. They will also be exposed to the literature on learning styles with an eye toward practical classroom applications of this body of research. Special emphasis will be placed on the process of developing instructional goals and objectives to meet a particular instructional need.
Teaching (making the connection between theory and practice)
This segment of the Immersion Program will engage participants in the exploration of a variety of factors that produce effective delivery of instruction, including presentation style, effective vocal technique, facilities utilization, learning technology applications, and practical strategies for student engagement in the learning process. Emphasis will be placed on developing practical skills and flexible repertoires for teacher effectiveness in the learning environment. Relevant readings and design activities will be used.
Assessment
Evaluating the effectiveness of library instruction will be another key component of the Immersion Program. How do we know that students are achieving the information literacy we strive for? What difference does library instruction make in a student's overall academic success? What is outcomes assessment and what does it mean for library instruction? Are our overall program goals being met? How can library instruction fit into overall institutional assessment and accreditation? Participants will begin to examine their own teaching effectiveness by examining the learning of their students. Formal and informal techniques to assess student progress will be considered. "Good teaching means good learning" will be the underlying theory.
Program Management
This segment of the Institute is designed to encourage participants to look anew at the programs they are hoping to develop on their campuses. Distinctions are made between the development of the program as a whole and the development of its many parts. Attention will be paid to the various needs of the several campus constituents, and to the myriad campus resources.
Case studies and action plans
Participants selected for the Program Track will develop a case study of their programmatic environment as a prelude to the creation of an action plan at the Immersion Program. The action plan will be a possible solution to a programmatic need identified in the case study. Guidelines for both the case study and the action plan will be provided to successful applicants.
Participation is limited to ensure an environment that fosters group interaction and active participation. A competitive application process will be used to select participants.
Program Track Application Instructions
Please note that only applications submitted via the online application form will be considered. Please read through the instructions below thoroughly before you start the application process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Monday, December 3, 2007 (5:00 p.m. CST)
APPLICATION TIPS
1. Review the Characteristics for Successful Applicants before you start the online application.
2. Writing the essays and responding to questions, arranging for funding and requesting letters of reference and support all take time. You are encouraged to begin early, and to prepare and submit your materials as soon as possible. Once you have begun the online application form, you can revisit your statements as many times as needed until they are complete and ready to submit. The deadline cannot be extended due to last minute illnesses or emergencies.
3. Have the following information prepared before you begin your online application:
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Contact information
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Work experience
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Presentations and publications
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Letters of reference. Two letters of reference are needed. Please obtain an electronic version of the reference letters as you will need to cut and paste the text into the online application form. You will need to indicate the name, title, and e-mail address for each reference. Reference letters should be in English and should be made out to the "Institute for Information Literacy Executive Committee."
1. Reference one. Letter from your director or current supervisor who can address the commitment of the institution to information literacy, your role in that process, and why you are the person from the institution who should attend
2. Reference two. Letter from a campus administrator or faculty member outside the library who can address how Immersion '08 will further institutional information literacy goals.
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Candidate statements
1. Statement one. The Program Track focuses on skills and concepts related to successfully developing information literacy programs and managing institutional change. Describe how your personal leadership style has shaped your contributions to information literacy initiatives at your current institution and previous institutions if relevant. Consider drawing most heavily upon lessons you learned about leadership from experiences in which you took initiative, followed through, and were able to implement change. (500 words) 2. Statement two. Throughout the Immersion experience, participants are active members of a learning community in which they are challenged to look at issues from multiple perspectives and supported by faculty and peers in an environment that encourages creativity and risk taking. Reflecting upon your preferred learning style and any previous experiences in such an environment, how would you benefit from and contribute to this type of group? How might your participation in this learning community influence your approach to introducing initiatives at your institution? (200-300 words) 3. Statement three. In light of the Immersion learning outcomes, what are the major benefits you hope to derive from Immersion for yourself and your institution? Why did you decide to apply? (200-300 words) 4. Statement four. Explain how the culture of your library and your campus affects your information literacy programming efforts.
4. You may save an incomplete application, and edit or add additional information before the submission deadline date. An ID number and password will be assigned to you when you submit your proposal. Be sure to print your ID number and password and keep them in a safe place. You will need these in order to edit the proposal at a future time.
5. Please note that Immersion is an individual application process, and acceptance into the program is for an individual applicant. There is no institutional ownership of an accepted-applicant slot, and if for some reason, an accepted applicant cannot attend, another person from that institution may not be substituted. The next accepted applicant on the ranked waiting list will be offered the slot.
6. Questions may be directed to Margot Conahan, msutton@ala.org, 312-280-2522; or Tory Ondrla, tondrla@ala.org; 312-280-2515.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM.
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Issues & Advocacy 
