Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 152
•
Trim: 8½ x 11
978-1-4422-7921-6 • Paperback • August 2017 • $84.00 • (£65.00)
978-1-4422-7922-3 • eBook • August 2017 • $79.50 • (£61.00)
Hannah Gascho Rempel is associate professor at Oregon State University (OSU) Libraries in the Teaching and Engagement Department. Since joining OSU in 2007, she has spearheaded the development of OSU Libraries’ services for graduate students and has been deeply involved in the Teaching and Engagement Department’s transition to a more strategic focus on learner-centered instructional activities.
Kelly McElroy is assistant professor and student engagement and community outreach librarian at OSU Libraries. She is the coeditor of the two-volume book Critical Library Pedagogy Handbook, which won the 2017 ACRL Instruction Section Rockman Publication of the Year Award.
Laurie M. Bridges is associate professor and instruction and outreach librarian at OSU Libraries. She has served for more than five years as a graduate advisor and thesis committee chair for numerous students in the OSU College Student Services Administration program.
Chapter 1 - Turning Theory into Practice
Chapter 2 - Encouraging Intellectual Growth
Chapter 3 - Making Sense of Difficult Problems
Chapter 4 - Building on Past Learning Experiences
Chapter 5 - Developing the Learner’s Voice
Chapter 6 - Understanding How Sense of Self Changes over Time
Chapter 7 - Engaging Learners in Their Education
Chapter 8 - Connecting Current and Future Theories
Appendix: Further Recommended Reading
Most librarians are not exposed to learning and development theory in school, and yet these theories are an important foundation to practice, especially in user services. This book provides readers with an overview of some of the most relevant theories, presented in accessible language and with solid examples, and scenarios that demonstrate how to translate the theory into practice. This would be a handy book for reference and instruction professionals, as well as LIS students interested in user services.
— Laura Saunders, associate professor, Simmons College
This work is valuable to any librarian who desires to move beyond observation and intuition to enhance reference, instruction, and outreach programs. It brings together student development theory, established and enriched since the 1950s, with the practical needs of librarians as they interact daily with students. The authors predicate their work on the similarities between Student Affairs and Libraries. Chapters sequentially introduce a specific student development theory then provide real-life examples of how that theory relates to library practice. Quoted scenarios from practicing librarians are particularly useful in moving from the theoretical to the practical.
— John Pollitz, dean of library affairs, Morris Library, Southern Illinois University
Understanding How Students Develop: A Practical Guide for Librarians is an excellent addition to our professional literature. Each chapter provides key points summarizing the theory covered, and those who are interested in reading more can follow the extensive references. Librarians will appreciate the clear, concrete examples of how student development theories connect to our work with instances from librarians at a range of institutions.
— Jennifer Nutefall, university librarian, Santa Clara University