The Art of Library Instruction: An Interview with Leverne McBeth

What does it take to be an effective instructional librarian? As my primary interest this semester is to learn how to effectively teach classes, I wanted to interview someone who has made their mark as an educator in a library setting. Since I hope to become either a reference or academic librarian upon graduation, I wanted input from someone who could provide insight into the differences between instruction in a reference library and an academic library. Leverne McBeth was the perfect option for this experience. Leverne is a Reference Librarian (II) in the Spartanburg County Public Libraries (SCPL) system and serves as their Technology Educational Coordinator as well. In addition …show more content…
When asked about her primary job duties for both positions, she outlined the tasks listed below:

Relevant to my current interests are Leverne’s duties under the scope of the Technology Educational Coordinator for SCPL. More specifically, her duties in providing technology/computer training workshops to the public. Under Leverne’s auspices a wide variety of programs are offered by the SCPL Reference department including (but not limited to):
 Basic Computers (Mouse, Keyboarding, and Internet from Scratch)
 Employment Preparation (Online Job Searching and WinWay: Job Resume Writing)
 Social Media (Facebook and Pinterest)
 Productive Software (Basic Word, Basic Excel, Basic Publisher, and Basic Publisher)
 Online Communication (Email 101 and Email 102)
 Operating Systems (Windows …show more content…
She uses her knowledge of androgogical educational theory, specifically the theory of Malcolm Knowles. She uses Knowles’ Five Assumptions of Adult Learners and Knowles Four Principles of Andragogy, emphasizing that adults are orientated towards learning with a direct application, adults learning styles are problem centered, adults learn by experience, and that adult’s motivations of learning are internal. Therefore, for all the curriculum she designs, she includes a hands-on component to the lesson and focuses on projects for the learner that have real world applications. For example, her Employment Preparation Seminar includes not only a demonstration of how to search employment websites on the internet for jobs, it includes guiding each attendee through a search for a job relevant for them. It also includes guidance as patrons create a resume showcasing their career goals and work experience. From this example, I have learned the importance of teaching to a broad audience (i.e. providing information on the general needs of a given course), but also emphasizing their own interactions the material via individual searches and looking for ways to personalize the lesson for each patron. Doing so will provide a lesson that is more engaging to the patron, and will hopefully facilitate a better retention of