Learning Instructional Methods and Practices: An Early Career Health Sciences Librarian Perspective

Med Ref Serv Q. 2022 Jan-Mar;41(1):117-125. doi: 10.1080/02763869.2022.2021049.

Abstract

Formal training or education, in pedagogy in library school or as part of job onboarding process, remains sparse, despite being a required qualification for a significant portion of academic librarian positions. This situation often leaves early career librarians left to piece together their knowledge of effective teaching strategies. This article discusses the experience of an early career librarian in learning pedagogical practices as well as the specific needs of a new discipline. Considerations of barriers, such as imposter syndrome and what the librarian wishes had gone differently, are covered.

Keywords: Academic librarian; competencies; early career librarian; health science librarians; library instruction; pedagogy.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Librarians*
  • Libraries, Medical*
  • Self Concept

Supplementary concepts

  • imposter syndrome