Academics

Communications librarian to helm ALA Library Instruction Round Table

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jeff Knapp, the Larry and Ellen Foster Communications Librarian, was recently elected vice president/president of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT). LIRT is an organization that advocates for library instruction, information literacy and lifelong learning within academic, public and school libraries.

Knapp said that although LIRT is smaller than some other library instruction-related organizations, its broad reach is significant. “The fact that LIRT includes all kinds of libraries, rather than just academic libraries, makes it somewhat unique,” he said.

The organization is focused on addressing issues related to students’ transition to college from high school and working with adult learners. In addition, it compiles a list of the top 20 library instruction-related articles each year and presents the Library Recognition Award and Innovation in Instruction Award annually.

Knapp has been involved with LIRT since 2004, when he first became active in ALA, and has held a number of positions in the organization since then. A few years ago, he led the effort to stop printing its quarterly newsletter and going electronic, saving almost $15,000 a year. Some of the savings were used to fund ALA Spectrum Scholarships for library school students of color.

“I’d like to see those programs continue and grow, and find some new ways to reach librarians who don’t have the resources to attend conferences in person,” he said.

Last Updated May 28, 2015

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