"Inspired by James K. A. Smith’s Cultural Liturgies books, and Matthew Ostercamp’s
“(Library) Education of Desire” paper presentation at the 2014 ATLA Conference, this listen and learn session will report upon efforts to implement holistic library instruction. Jacob Gucker will share about BMA Theological Seminary’s “Paperpalooza,” a library instruction event which targets the teleological desires of theology students and teaches them to love a vision of human flourishing which includes their own participation in good theological scholarship. Paperpalooza is an event held each semester at which students are inspired to fulfill their vocation by engaging in a “cultural liturgy” of theological research.
Librarians shepherd a group of students through research exercises aimed at moving them toward their goal of completing their assignments, and also forming within them the habits of “the good theological scholar.” The event includes activities recalling the rhythms and practices of the Christian life, such as worship, and sharing a common meal, in order to instill in participants the idea that good research is a part of “the good life. This session will discuss the outcomes of holding Paperpalooza in the Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 semesters at BMA Theological Seminary, and will propose ways to conceive similar endeavors in other contexts.” Matt Ostercamp will discuss the evolving ARCL information literacy framework in light of Smith’s arguments and NPU’s initial attempts to rethink university library instruction to incorporate a more embodied pedagogy."
