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!
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
We Need Volunteer Facilitators!
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
- Develop an asynchronous module for participants (4 hours maximum)
- Facilitate your module asynchronously during its designated week
- Attend three synchronous meetings:
- Mid-May facilitator meeting
- June 24 (Kick-off)
- Week of August 17 (Wrap-up)
- 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.
Module 1: Foundations of Instruction
Week of June 29
Explore learning theories and foundational concepts in instruction for academic libraries.
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.
Module 3: Working Within the One Shot
Week of July 13
Maximize impact in traditional library instruction sessions with practical strategies.
Module 4: Active Learning & Classroom Management
Week of July 27
Implement engaging teaching techniques and manage dynamic learning environments.
Module 5: Collaboration with Faculty
Week of August 3
Build stronger partnerships and integrate library instruction into course content.
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
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.
Questions? Contact us for more information.