In the modern academic library, the traditional 60-minute "one-shot" instruction session is increasingly competing with the fragmented schedules of digital-native students. As Information Specialists and Digital Scholarship faculty seek more agile ways to meet students at the point of need, a new model is gaining traction: Pop-Up Teaching.
Based on the Pop-Up Teaching framework developed by Virginia Tech Libraries, this approach moves away from the formal classroom and toward high-traffic, informal "third spaces" within the library. It is a strategy built on spontaneity, low-stakes engagement, and the Research as Inquiry frame of the ACRL standards.
What Defines a Library "Pop-Up"?
Unlike a scheduled workshop, a Pop-Up is characterized by its brevity and physical presence. It typically involves a mobile station—a cart, a high-top table, or a digital screen—situated where students are already working. The goal is not to deliver a comprehensive lecture, but to provide a micro-learning moment centered on a specific tool or concept, such as:
- Visualizing data with Tableau.
- Evaluating AI-generated citations for "hallucinations."
- Managing digital identities through ORCID.
The Strategic Advantage for Digital Scholarship
For Digital Scholarship staff, Pop-Ups serve as a powerful "hook." A five-minute demonstration of a 3D scanner or a mapping tool in the library lobby can demystify complex technologies that students might otherwise find intimidating. It transforms the Digital Scholarship Lab from a hidden basement destination into a visible, accessible resource.
Core Principles for Implementation:
- Low Barrier to Entry: Activities should take no more than 3–5 minutes.
- Visible Signage: Use "Stop and Ask" prompts that focus on a problem the student currently faces.
- Active Learning: The student should do something—scan a QR code, move a data point, or verify a source—rather than just listen.
- Assessment on the Fly: Simple "dot voting" or one-question digital polls provide immediate feedback on the session's utility.
By adopting "Pop-Up" methods, academic librarians can break the confines of the classroom and demonstrate that information literacy is not a destination, but a constant, interactive part of the research journey.
Research & Engagement Links
