ACRL invites applications for Immersion '08 Program

Contact: Margot Sutton Conahan
               Manager of Professional
               Development, ACRL
               312-280-2522
               msutton@ala.org
For Immediate Release,
October 23, 2007

ACRL invites applications for Immersion ’08 Program

CHICAGO - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Institute for Information Literacy is pleased to announce a new third immersion track for its upcoming National Immersion Program. Previously offered as a stand-alone program, "The Intentional Teacher: Renewal through Informed Reflection," will join the highly regarded teacher and program tracks of immersion.

Applications are now being accepted for the Immersion '08 Program in the following tracks:

Teacher Track.  The Teacher Track focuses on individual development for those who are interested in enhancing, refreshing or extending their individual instruction skills. Curriculum includes classroom techniques, learning theory, leadership and assessment framed in the context of information literacy. Participants selected for the Teacher Track will prepare a description of an instructional situation and a related presentation in advance of the immersion program.

Program Track.
The 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 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.

Intentional Teacher Track.  The Intentional Teacher track is aimed at the experienced academic librarian (5+ years teaching experience, in a library or other setting) who wants to become more self-aware and self-directed as a teacher.  This track facilitates the process of critical reflection through peer discussion, readings and personal reflection as a pathway to professional growth and renewal. 

Visit http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlissues/acrlinfolit/professactivity/iil/immersion/immersion08.cfm for complete details about the three program tracks, including learning outcomes and more.

Location and dates
Immersion '08 will be held at the University of California, San Diego (Immersion '08 is not sponsored by the University of California).

Teacher Track program dates: July 27 - Aug.1, 2008
Program Track program dates: July 27 - Aug. 1, 2008
Intentional Teacher program dates: July 27 - 31, 2008

How to apply
Complete details about Immersion '08, as well as the online application form and instructions, are available at http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlissues/acrlinfolit/professactivity/iil/immersion/immersion08.cfm.  Acceptance to Immersion '08 is competitive, to ensure an environment that fosters group interaction and active participation.  The application deadline is Monday, Dec. 3, 2007. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for Teacher Track applicants only. Details on scholarships are available online. 
Send questions concerning the program or application process to Margot Conahan at (312) 280-2522 or msutton@ala.org.

ACRL is a division of the American Library Association (ALA), representing more than 13,000 academic and research librarians and interested individuals. ACRL is the only individual membership organization in North America that develops programs, products and services to meet the unique needs of academic and research librarians. Its initiatives enable the higher education community to understand the role that academic libraries play in the teaching, learning and research environments.