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!

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.

Meet the Facilitators

Our six expert facilitators bring diverse perspectives and deep expertise in library pedagogy.

Photo of Vivan Bynoe

Vivian Bynoe

Head of Information Studies

Georgia Southern University

Module 1: Foundations of Instruction
Photo of Chereeka Garner

Chereeka Garner

Academic Engagement Librarian

University of Central Florida

Module 2: Unpacking the ACRL Framework
Photo of Jocelyn Ireland

Jocelyn Ireland

Instructional Design Librarian

Mohawk Valley Community College

Module 3: Working Within the One Shot
Photo of Bryan Sajecki

Bryan Sajecki

Social Sciences, Student Support, and Instruction Librarian

University at Buffalo

Module 4: Active Learning & Classroom Management
Photo of Joan Wakasa Murumba

Joan Wakasa Murumba

Information Literacy Librarian

Texas A&M International University

Module 5: Collaboration with Faculty
Photo of Anne Fussichen

Anne Fussichen

Research & Education Librarian

Loyola University Chicago

Module 6: Assessment of Library Instruction

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

  • Fill out our application form (linked below)
  • Combine the following materials into ONE PDF file:
    1. Your CV or resume
    2. A letter from your supervisor approving your participation during working hours
    3. A short essay on why you want to join COPALI Pedagogy - See Application form for more information
  • Submit your application by midnight (Eastern Time) on June 4, 2026

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!

⏳ Participant Application Deadline: June 4, 2026

All applications must be submitted by midnight (Eastern Time) on June 4, 2026.