Implementing the Critical Friend Method for Peer Feedback among Teaching Librarians in an Academic Setting

Authors

  • Yvonne Hultman Özek Faculty of Medicine Lund University, Lund, Sweden
  • Gudrun Edgren Faculty of Medicine Lund University, Lund, Sweden
  • Katarina Jandér Faculty of Medicine Lund University, Lund, Sweden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18438/B81C8W

Keywords:

academic librarians, teaching librarians, critical friend, peer observation, structured feedback, constructive criticism, professional development

Abstract

Objective – The role of the academic librarian has become increasingly educative in nature. In this study, the critical friend method was introduced among teaching librarians in an academic setting of medicine and health sciences to ascertain whether this approach could be implemented for feedback on teaching of these librarians as part of their professional development.

Methods – We used a single intrinsic case study. Seven teaching librarians and one educator from the faculty of medicine participated, and they all provided and received feedback. These eight teachers worked in pairs, and each of them gave at least one lecture or seminar during the study period. The performance of one teacher and the associated classroom activities were observed by the critical friend and then evaluated and discussed. The outcome and effects of critical friendship were assessed by use of a questionnaire.

Results – The present results suggest that use of the critical friend method among teaching academic librarians can have a positive impact by achieving the following: strengthening shared values concerning teaching issues; promoting self-reflection, which can improve teaching; facilitating communication with colleagues; and reducing the sense of “loneliness” in teaching. This conclusion is also supported by the findings of previous studies.

Conclusion – The critical friend method described in this study can easily be implemented and developed among teaching librarians, provided that there is support from the organization. This will benefit the individual teaching librarian, as well as the organization at large.

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Author Biographies

Yvonne Hultman Özek, Faculty of Medicine Lund University, Lund, Sweden

Senior Librarian Library & ICT Unit

Gudrun Edgren, Faculty of Medicine Lund University, Lund, Sweden

Professor Centre for Teaching & Learning

Katarina Jandér, Faculty of Medicine Lund University, Lund, Sweden

Librarian Library & ICT Unit

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Published

2012-12-11

How to Cite

Hultman Özek, Y., Edgren, G., & Jandér, K. (2012). Implementing the Critical Friend Method for Peer Feedback among Teaching Librarians in an Academic Setting. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 7(4), 68–81. https://doi.org/10.18438/B81C8W

Issue

Section

Research Articles

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