LOEX 2025

Academic libraries typically rely on subject instructors to request textbooks and instruction from the library. This presentation showcases a proactive, rather than reactive, model for provisioning textbooks and instruction. Across two terms, librarians analyzed over 300 course syllabi spanning six subject departments. Librarians identified 1) required texts that were purchasable or were already available as unlimited-user ebooks; 2) assignments requiring independent research of students; and 3) policies (or lack thereof) pertaining to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). On the basis of these analyses, the library provisioned dozens of 'e-textbooks', undertook multiple instructional interventions, and gained a clear picture of faculty approaches to GenAI. This session will present the costs, outcomes, and best practices involved in comprehensively reviewing syllabi as a form of collaboration with subject departments.

Participants will:
1. understand departmental syllabus review as a means to proactively provision library instruction and electronic textbooks
2. realistically assess the time and money costs involved in departmental syllabus review as well as the potential benefits
3. formulate an outreach plan for collaborating with one or more subject departments at their institutions to undertake syllabus review