Workshop Demolition: Rebuilding as 15 min of Pop-in Fun

Like many libraries, the MSU Library despaired at low turnout for our high prep, traditional workshops. Dismantling the old format, MSU Librarians switched it up with a series of 15 minute pop-in workshops. The new format reduced prep times and propagated waves of imagination in our instruction, reigniting librarian excitement. Let these creative ripples reach you, and come learn practical steps to try this approach at your library.

1. Workshop Demolition: Rebuilding as 15 min of Pop-in Fun Taylor Moorman, Instructional Technology Librarian & Jacqueline Frank, Instruction and Accessibility Librarian May 2024

2. 2 Hello ! I’m Taylor Moorman Instructional Technology Librarian. Montana State University Library. Ask me about: human-centered services & the crossroads of tech and instruction I’m Jacqueline Frank. Instruction & Accessibility Librarian. Montana State University Library. Ask me about: accessible and inclusive teaching strategies

3. Workshop Overview Introductions Why Change Workshops? Introducing Pop-in Workshops Benefits and Challenges of the Pop-in Model How to Plan a Pop-in Blueprint your own Pop-in Q&A 3

4. Why Change Library Workshops Low turnout from students and faculty Repetitive workshop offerings Instructional rut Scheduling conflicts Prep time burdens 4

5. Introducing the Pop-in Workshop 15 minutes long Specific, practical skills Offered in high-traffic, visible library spaces INCLUDING HYBRID Flexibility to PLAY with topics 5

6. EXAMPLES Benevolent Dictation: Dictate tool for presentations Dyslexia Learning Strategies ADHD Learning Strategies Time Management Tips Future ideas: Relaxing Research Create a study calendar before finals 6

7. 7 MIGHT LOOK LIKE:

8. 8 The Benefits Reduced prep time and amped up enthusiasm Flexibility to try new topics and formats Increased visibility of library services Better alignment with needs for concise, actionable instruction

9. 9 The Challenges Promoting new format to drive attendance Scheduling around other library events Including a diverse range of relevant topics Perceptions of what instruction *should* be Showing the impact with continued low attendance

10. Quick Question What’s something you are always excited to teach or learn more about? 10

11. How to Plan a Pop-in Identify high traffic areas in the library Determine optimal days/times Find collaborators Brainstorm potential workshops topics Create a promotion template (and promote) Have fun! 11

12. Tips on Choosing Topics Things you know well or are excited about Practical skills that can be immediately used Connection to library’s mission, vision, or values Fun, interactive activities 12

13. Let’s Make a Pop-in! ACTIVITY TIME 13

14. Blueprint your own Pop-in What topic/skill are you excited about? Who are your key stakeholders, and how will you include them? Where could you offer a pop-in workshop? When are high traffic times for your library? How will you promote? And to whom? 14

15. Activity, part two Mad Lib( rary ) format … Give us your pitch! 15

16. Why it matters Transitioning to pop-in format reinvigorated librarians Intrapersonal learning=unexpected and great! Skills-focused leaves attendees with practical applications Using time effectively EXCITEMENT and PLAY in Instruction 16

17. 17 Thanks ! We welcome your questions. Get in touch: [email protected] [email protected]

18. Credits Special thanks to all the people who made and released these awesome resources for free: Presentation template by SlidesCarnival Photographs by Unsplash 18

19. Creative Commons License Please attribute Taylor Moorman & Jacqueline L. Frank with a link to the original presentation . Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Creative Commons and the double C in a circle are registered trademarks of Creative Commons in the United States and other countries. Third party marks and brands are the property of their respective holders.