Engaging in Campus Learning and Research Activities Fu Zhuo Coordinator of Library Instruction/Reference Librarian III Miller Nichols Library University of Missouri – Kansas City

Introduction Changes in Information Technology Changes in Academic Libraries Changes in Sciences and Social Sciences Changes in Librarians Skills Requirements

Literature Review The changing library Need for professional development ACRL statement on professional development Tips for new academic librarians

Finding Opportunities Research-oriented Opportunities Educational Opportunities Instructional Opportunities Cultural Opportunities Technological Opportunities

Benefits Of Getting Involved Keep us up-to-date of new developments in technology and applications Develop knowledge base in various subject fields Improve skills in reference and library instruction services Increase visibility of librarians Strengthen ties with campus community Create opportunity for scholarly publication

Best Use of Opportunities Before the event 1. Check the speaker’s research interests 2. Check the speaker’s research achievements During the event 1. Prepare questions 2. Take notes After the event 1. Write summary for learning purpose 2. Administrative record for future promotion

Opportunities at University of Central Missouri Research on Friday Students Research Showcase American Democracy Project University of Central Missouri Research Day Faculty Research Showcase McNair Students Presentation Master Degree Defenses Learning Community Workshops Tuesday Tech Talks Art Exhibits Free Film Shows Poetry Reading Minority Scholar Visits International Scholars and Students Panels

Opportunities at University of Missouri – Kansas City Award-winning Poet Heather McHugh on New Letters on the Air John Cage and the Rise of Modern Dance in the U.S. Presentation: Gendered Health Disparities Sonia L. Lanehart Public Lecture: African American Language Identities: Contradictions and Conundrums Presentation: Indian Women and the Conquest of Spanish America A celebration of Black Film 2007 Presentation: The Public Auction of Children in 19 th Century Sweden Enlightened Patriarchs, Women Humanists and the Foundations of Renaissance

Some Limits and Issues Aware of such activities Library administration support and reward Schedule conflicts Not every activity is available for librarians Lack of background information Lack of technical knowledge Activities vary in subjects and sequence Hard to assess effectiveness of activities Information sharing

Conclusion The librarians need to explore and take advantage of all kinds of professional development and scholarly opportunities on campus. Only when partnered with campus community and involved with campus scholarly activities, will the academic librarians be much better positioned and prepared to support their institutions’ teaching, learning, and research missions.

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