Oh, snap! Using popular culture to reach undergraduates in library instruction

Tired of boring, run-of-the-mill library instruction? Want to jazz up your information literacy program and connect with students? Many academic librarians struggle with making instruction sessions interesting and interactive while still incorporating all the information students need to know. This interactive webinar will provide a variety of approaches incorporating pop culture themes into information literacy instruction from several different institutions, as well as allow for participants to share their own experiences. We will provide specific ideas about what works (and what doesn’t), how to incorporate learning outcomes while not losing the pop culture hook, and assessing the impact of these sessions. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for using ninjas, memes, The Simpsons, zombies, Eminiem, the Black Eyed Peas and others in their library instruction. First, information on what memes are, where to find them and how to use and make your own will be discussed. Next, knowing your audience and incorporating information literacy activities using music videos and television shows will be covered. Information on crafting learning outcomes and utilizing research themes based in pop culture, including multimedia presentations and hands-on learning activities incorporated into one-shot sessions will also be shared. Finally, implementing specific popular culture relevant to your institution or region (such as library ninjas) into the curriculum will also be discussed