The Fortuitous Teacher

The Fortuitous Teacher: A Guide to Successful One-Shot Library Instruction discusses how librarians have become accidental teachers in the academic university setting. It covers how (if at all) librarians are prepared by MILS programs to teach, compares typical characteristics of teachers versus librarians, and presents tactics on how to learn effective teaching skills on the job. In addition, readers will learn about the history of library instruction, the different types of library instruction, and the dynamics of one-shot library instruction, classroom culture, faculty buy-in, and collaboration.
- Examines how MILS programs prepare librarians to teach
- Compares the typical characteristics of effective teachers and librarians
- Offers advice for new academic librarians who take on the role of classroom teacher
- Explores future trends in library instruction and how to apply this to one-shot instruction sessions

Sarah Cisse is a Reference Librarian at the Alvin Sherman Library Research and Information Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University. She received her MILS at Pratt Institute in 2005. Sarah began her library career at the Metropolitan College of New York as an Information Specialist. Previous experience includes positions as Information Assistant in the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology-SUNY, and as Records Manager at the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. Sarah also holds a B.A. in English Literature and an A.A.S. in Advertising and Marketing Communications.

1. The Academic Librarian as 'Accidental Teacher' IntroductionTraditional and changing roles of the academic librarianHow do Library Science programs prepare librarians to teach?Gaining practical teaching experienceCharacteristics of teachers versus librariansThe Teacher LibrarianConclusion 2. Types of Library Instruction IntroductionThe history of library instructionTypes of library instructionAcademic library instruction todayOne-Shot library instruction- How is it unique?Conclusion 3. Gaining Faculty Buy-in IntroductionThe history of faculty/librarian collaborationThe importance of faculty collaborationWinning strategies for gaining faculty buy-in Planning instruction sessions with facultyConclusion 4. Assessing Classroom Dynamics IntroductionPreparing for one-shot instruction sessionsPenetrating the academic classroom culture Show-time: Setting the toneStrategies for engaging student interestPartnering with faculty during instruction sessions Developing classroom management skillsConclusion 5. Practical Tips for Successful One-shot Instruction IntroductionAdvice from other academic librariansCreating successful one-shot instruction sessionsAssessment: building on successWhat's next? The future of effective library instructionConclusion