Peer-Assisted Learning in Academic Libraries

Written specifically for academic librarians and library administrators, this book identifies the myriad benefits of peer-assisted learning, exploring how the implementation of peer-assisted learning benefits information literacy instruction, cocurricular outreach, and reference services. In this era of accountability—and stretched budgets—in higher education, librarians need to make instructional programming both highly effective and sustainable. Peer-assisted learning is a methodology that has long been accepted in teaching but is relatively new as applied to academic library instruction, outreach, and reference. This book brings together the most innovative applications of peer-assisted learning in these contexts, explaining specific ways to apply peer-assisted learning in a variety of academic library settings for maximum benefit. This guidebook begins with an extensive literature review of the theoretical underpinnings of peer-assisted learning and the various benefits these programs can provide academic librarians and peer mentors. The bulk of the book's content is organized into three sections that address the subjects of information literacy instruction, cocurricular outreach, and reference services separately. Each section showcases real-world examples of peer-assisted learning at a variety of academic institutions. Through these case studies, readers can fully understand the development, implementation, and assessment of a peer-assisted learning program, and librarians and administrators will see the practical benefits of enriching the experiences of student employees. Practitioners will receive inspiration and guidance through chapters that discuss training activities, identify lessons learned, and explain the implications for further research.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Patricia Iannuzzi Introduction Part I: Peer-Assisted Learning in Information Literacy Instruction 1 The Research Mentor Program at the University of New Hampshire Manchester Library Annie Donahue, Carolyn Gamtso, and Kim Donovan 2 The LibRAT Program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Brett Bodemer 3 The Mathlete Program at the University of Oregon Libraries Genevieve Schaack and Annie Zeidman-Karpinski 4 Library Peer Mentors at Utah State University Pamela Martin 5 The Mason Undergraduate Peer Research Coach Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Libraries Erin Rinto, John Watts, and Rosan Mitola Part II: Peer-Assisted Learning in Co-Curricular Outreach 6 Library House Outreach Program at Harvard College Anna Esty, Alexis Gomez, Ramona Islam, Vegas Longlois, and Reed Lowrie 7 Library Living Learning Connection at Indiana University of Pennsylvania Libraries Theresa McDevitt and Malaika M. Turner 8 Peer Research Coaches at the University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Tyler A. Dunn, Jan H. Kemp, and Ellen V. Blumberg 9 Master Builders of build IT @San Diego State University Library Jenny Wong-Welch Part III: Peer-Assisted Learning in Reference Services 10 Peer Research Mentors at Gettysburg College Clinton Baugess, Mallory Jallas, Meggan Smith, and Janelle Wertzberger 11 The Learning Commons Research Assistance Program at Indiana University Libraries Michael Courtney and Kate Otto 12 The Peer Research Assistants at the Michigan State University Libraries Emilia R. Marcyk and Benjamin Oberdick 13 Peer Reference Services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale Joshua Vossler 14 Undergraduate Research Assistants at Hope College Jessica Hronchek and Rachel Bishop Index About the Editors and Contributors