Teaching Information Literacy through Faculty Development - (Libraries Unlimited Series for Teaching Information Literacy Today) by Jane Hammons

About the Book

Provides an approach to information literacy centered around faculty development to support academic librarians in building more scalable, sustainable, .

Book Synopsis

Provides an approach to information literacy centered around faculty development to support academic librarians in building more scalable, sustainable, and impactful information literacy programs.

Academic librarians devote significant effort to teaching information literacy, often in "one-shot" sessions. However, the one-shot has received criticism for its pedagogical ineffectiveness and its impact on librarians' professional status and personal well-being.

This resource provides an overview of an alternative approach, the faculty-focused model, also known as the "teach the teachers" or "train the trainers" approach. In this model, librarians concentrate their efforts primarily on faculty development, which has the potential to allow them to develop more scalable, sustainable, and impactful information literacy programs. This practical guide explores the benefits and concerns associated with the model, gives examples of library-led faculty development initiatives and librarian involvement in campus-level faculty development, and offers recommendations for building faculty development into an information literacy program. Librarians will appreciate the book's guidance on making the mental shift necessary to adopt a more faculty-focused approach and its willingness to address concerns that librarians may have about the model.

Review Quotes

In her new book, Jane Hammons enters the dialogue around the critique of one-shots with a sharp-eyed, deeply informed guide for what comes next. Part manifesto, part practical roadmap, this book reimagines information literacy through the lens of faculty development with clarity, nuance, and zero illusions of easy fixes. Teaching Information Literacy through Faculty Development examines the assumptions behind traditional library instruction and makes a compelling case for faculty development as a forward-looking, sustainable alternative. Hammons doesn't romanticize faculty development as a singular solution, but rather as a strategic approach that aligns with the evolving role of librarians as partners in teaching and learning. Drawing on scholarly literature, case studies, and her own professional experience, Hammons charts a flexible, practical path forward that is rooted in relationships, pedagogy, and lasting impact.

Whether you're a new librarian or a seasoned professional, this book delivers a versatile blueprint that is adaptable to pedagogical models such as the ACRL Framework, Informed Learning, Backward Design, or Decoding the Disciplines. At its core, the book offers a persuasive answer to a pressing question: What becomes of the librarian's instructional role as we move beyond the one-shot? Hammons' response centers around librarians as educational partners who prioritize relational work, curricular integration, and meaningful impact on student learning. Anyone using Hammons' guide will realize that shifting our focus to faculty development doesn't have to mean letting go of our educational mission, but it might just be how we finally achieve it.
Carrie Donovan, Head of Public Services for Hillman Library, University of Pittsburgh, USA

In this much-needed book, Hammons offers a carefully crafted argument for information literacy through faculty development that is grounded in research and supported by clear and practical examples to help librarians put the advice into action.
Laura Saunders, Professor and Associate Dean, Simmons University School of Library and Information Science, USA

Jane Hammons has gifted us with a practical, well-researched plan to enable librarians to enter the development field with confidence. As a leader in faculty information literacy instruction development, her deep understanding of both librarian and faculty culture makes the prospect of librarians doing faculty development both possible and inviting. Well done!
William Badke, Associate Librarian, Trinity Western University, Canada

About the Author

Jane Hammons is Associate Professor and Teaching & Learning Engagement Librarian at The Ohio State University, USA.