LIRT

The Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) provides a forum for discussion of activities, programs and problems of instruction in the use of libraries or information literacy; to contribute to the education and training of librarians for library instruction; to promote instruction in the use of libraries as an essential library service; and to serve as a channel of communication on instruction in the use of libraries.

The Library Instruction Round Table Summit is a one-day conference focused on topics related to library and information literacy instruction in academic, public, school or special libraries.  Attendees will interact with other library instruction enthusiasts and learn from one another in a collaborative, intimate, low-stress environment.  All with an interest in library instruction and information literacy are welcome to attend. For 2021, the LIRT Summit will take place virtually on October 15.

Keynote Session Title: Library Lessons during a Pandemic: Integrating Technology and Library Skills through the use of Google Slides and Digital Escape Rooms

Keynote Speaker: Patricia Becker-Johnson, El Paso ISD, 2021 Winner of the LIRT Library Instruction Project of the Year

Date/time: Fri. 10/15 9-10:30am CST

Session Description:

Librarians are all too familiar with how difficult it is to get classes or students to come into the library for lessons during a regular year.  Add in lock downs, virtual learning, hybrid classes of face-to-face students and online learning simultaneously, and you have a recipe for a perfect storm of obsolescence in the school library.

Last year all educators were forced to reinvent themselves and their lessons.  One way of doing this was through the use of Google slides and Digital Escape Rooms.  In this presentation, you will meet a librarian from Brown Middle school in El Paso, who did just that.  She found a way to actively engage her students while online and conduct a lesson utilizing a Digital Escape Room format to highlight and remind students about the use of Databases.

During this presentation you will see and participate in a Digital Escape Room.  Brief instructions and time to build an escape room of your own will be given.  These ideas can be used across the ages from elementary to college libraries.  Specific themes or topics can be created to facilitate and utilize online databases, eBooks, and resources.

Speaker Bio:

Patricia Becker-Johnson has been in education for 25 years in many different facets.  She received her BA in English and American Literature and began teaching middle school English Language Arts.  A Master of Education in Instructional Specialist in Reading and a Master Reading Teacher Certification soon followed.  Patricia eventually found herself going back to school to get her Librarian certification as well.  Patricia has taught 6, 7, and 8th grade Language Arts, ESL, and struggling readers.

Currently she is in a middle school library in El Paso, Texas.  This is where her true love lies, in the library. Patricia won the LIRT Project of the year last year for her lessons using a digital Escape Room with her middle school students.  Teachers, students, and fellow librarians all fell in love with the digital escape room and the ideas behind it.

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Apply for a LIRT conference stipend or award:
Devin Zimmerman Conference Stipend
Library Instruction Project of the Year Award
Outstanding Service in Library Instruction Award

LIRT Officers 2021-22