Dali and Thompson took on the task of addressing difficult topics in higher education, specifically in the LIS classroom. The editors bring together international perspectives on what they term inglorious pedagogy. Some chapters focus on traditional pedagogical theory and assessment—engaging students through improvisational acting exercises and encouraging creativity in the classroom by framing discussions through the walls, doors, and fences model. Other chapters address the importance of building student cohort bonds while grappling with the transition to graduate-level learning and distance education. Dali and Thompson have expanded their definition of pedagogy to include other obstacles LIS faculty encounter. Among these are interdepartmental relationships, disability inequity among faculty, the convergence of disciplines within LIS, academic burnout, and tensions between academic faculty and practitioners in the field. Chapters also cover issues with academic capital in regard to collaborating with students and tracking how academic libraries responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, Canada, and Australia. Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and professionals.

Choice Reviews

Editors Dali and Thompson have assembled a unique set of essays utilizing conceptual and theoretical frameworks to examine less common pedagogies in library and information science. The contributors are LIS educators representing perspectives from Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Each chapter is a case study written in a journalistic rather than academic style, intended for those currently teaching or aspiring to teach in the field. The work provides a snapshot of the challenges that instructors face and describes their strategies for overcoming obstacles. Notable topics include intellectual humility, navigating perceptions of social justice, LIS research and academic capitalism, experiences of disabled faculty and researchers in a COVID-era academic landscape, fostering creativity, and distance learning. The editors’ sensibilities are evident throughout, as they author or contribute to five of the 12 chapters (not including the introduction and conclusion), but this does not detract from the richness of the content. A beneficial and thought-provoking book focusing on critical topics and experiences rarely explored in the field. Though the focus on LIS programs and education narrows the appeal, this would also be a timely addition to professional-development collections.

Library Journal

That which is difficult, unpopular, or uncommon in our teaching can promote self-reflection and growth and keep our work vital. Congratulations to these authors and editors for sharing the growing pains that demonstrate our ability and desire to do better.

Melissa Gross, professor, Florida State University, School of Information

Inglorious Pedagogy: Difficult, Unpopular, and Uncommon Topics in Library and Information Science Education is an insightful, varied, and timely exploration of uncommon approaches to delivering LIS education. This book aims to uncover the complex and varied experiences of teaching LIS programs internationally at a time of rapid change and challenges educators to explore new ways of thinking about their work.

Mary Carroll, associate professor and associate head, School of Information and Communication, Charles Stuart University, Australia