COPALI Pedagogy

A Summer Community of Practice for Academic Librarians

Want to Revitalize Your Teaching?

About COPALI

Communities of Practice for the Advancement of Library Instruction (COPALI) is a framework that developed out of my dissertation where I found that there were not many opportunities for sustained professional learning among academic librarians. I want to fix that. My goal this summer is to create a vibrant (mostly) asynchronous community of practice to help academic librarians enhance their pedagogy and teaching effectiveness.

You'll Leave With:

  • ✓ Fresh teaching strategies
  • ✓ Tools for designing new library sessions
  • ✓ New ideas for engaging students
  • ✓ Practical ways to partner with faculty
  • ✓ A new group of librarian colleagues

🕰️ Most modules take 4 hours or less — perfect for summer!

College students studying together in a library

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

We Need Volunteer Facilitators!

Teacher leading a professional development workshop with adults

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

Are you passionate about library instruction and want to share your expertise? We're seeking energetic volunteers to facilitate one of our six modules this summer!

📅 Facilitator Timeline

  • April 20, 2026: Facilitator proposals due
  • May 4: Facilitators selected
  • Mid-May: Synchronous facilitator meeting
  • June 10: Asynchronous module due (4 hours max)

Your Commitment as a Facilitator

  1. Develop an asynchronous module for participants (4 hours maximum)
  2. Facilitate your module asynchronously during its designated week
  3. Attend three synchronous meetings:
    • Mid-May facilitator meeting
    • June 24 (Kick-off)
    • Week of August 17 (Wrap-up)
  4. Participate in the late fall showcase event

Six Weeks of Awesome Learning

Each week-long module can be completed in 4 hours or less. Learn from expert facilitators, connect with peers, all on your own schedule.

🧠 Learning & Theory

Module 1: Foundations of Instruction

Week of June 29

Explore learning theories and foundational concepts in instruction for academic libraries.

📖 Framework & Standards

Module 2: Unpacking the ACRL Framework

Week of July 6

Deep dive into the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy and its application to your practice.

⏰ One-Shot Sessions

Module 3: Working Within the One Shot

Week of July 13

Maximize impact in traditional library instruction sessions with practical strategies.

🎯 Active Learning

Module 4: Active Learning & Classroom Management

Week of July 27

Implement engaging teaching techniques and manage dynamic learning environments.

🤝 Faculty Partnerships

Module 5: Collaboration with Faculty

Week of August 3

Build stronger partnerships and integrate library instruction into course content.

📊 Assessment & Outcomes

Module 6: Assessment of Library Instruction

Week of August 10

Measure the impact of your teaching through effective assessment strategies.

Participant Experience

Why Join Us?

  • Engage with bite-sized modules (4 hours each) on your own schedule
  • Connect and collaborate with librarians facing similar teaching challenges
  • Apply evidence-based instructional strategies to your own practice
  • Develop expertise across six key areas of library pedagogy
  • Join synchronous discussions to deepen your learning with peers
  • Celebrate your growth and share your teaching innovations
Diverse professionals collaborating in an academic environment

Photo on Unsplash

Your Summer Timeline

🎉 June 24, 2-4pm ET

Synchronous Kick-off Meeting

🗂️ June 29 - Aug 10

Complete modules asynchronously (one each week)

🧩 Week of August 17

Synchronous Wrap-up & Fall Plans

🎬 November

Fall Showcase Event

📝 Application Process (Coming Soon)

  • A letter from your supervisor approving your participation during working hours
  • A short essay on why you want to join COPALI Pedagogy

Interested in Joining?

Based on the success of our 2023 institute, we're confident this community of practice will make a real difference in your teaching. Join us for a fun, energizing summer!

⏳ Application Deadline: April 20, 2026

All applications must be submitted by midnight on April 20, 2026. Facilitators will be notified by May 4.

Facilitator Application Participant Interest Form

Questions? Contact us for more information.