The Virtual Information Literacy Library Atelier, or VILLA, is a paid professional development workshop for faculty and librarians to work together on new ways to incorporate information literacy learning into curricula. Information Literacy is more than simply knowing about the latest technology or where to locate articles, books, and media; it addresses individuals’ abilities to understand when they need information, and how to evaluate and use that information effectively and ethically. For 2024, VILLA is returning to the theme of “Working in the Open,” and will focus on open educational resources (OER) and open pedagogy.

Participants selected into the VILLA program join a small cohort of faculty and librarian colleagues in a Canvas course for a series of guided activities focusing on incorporating aspects of open education into an upcoming course. Through synchronous and asynchronous discussions, workshopping, and peer feedback, participants will:

• Discuss the existing scholarly and course materials landscapes in current open educational resources
• Evaluate the primary aspects and goals of open education
• Generate ideas for open collaboration(s) with colleagues and campus partners

• Translate the usefulness of open education to their work. 

This program will take place virtually, and participation is open to full-time and affiliated faculty members. An application to participate is required as space is limited.

Apply for VILLA 2024

Space for this professional development program is limited. If you are interested in taking part in VILLA, please fill out the application linked above. The deadline for this year's applications is Monday, April 22, 2024. Applicants will be notified if they have been selected to participate no later than April 29, 2024. 

If you have any questions about applying, please contact Christina Dent. 

VILLA 2024 Program Timeline:

• May 16th - May 23rd, 2024: VILLA Canvas course begins.

  • May 16th, May 21st, May 23rd: Attend three synchronous Zoom sessions from 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT. 

• August  20th, 2024: Attend 2-hour synchronous Zoom follow-up session from 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT. 

• December 10th, 2024: Complete Google form final report.

Compensation: 

The total compensation for completing this faculty development program will be $1000. Participants will receive a payment of $500 for completing the Canvas course and May attendance requirements. Participants will receive an additional payment of $500 upon completion of the August attendance requirement, evidence of integration of open resources into a Fall 2024 course, and completing a Google form final report. These deliverables must be met in order to receive full compensation. 

Requirements and expectations:  

• Completion of all VILLA Canvas course activities.

• Attendance at synchronous Zoom sessions on May 16th; May 21st, and May 23rd. 

• Attendance at Zoom follow-up session on August 20th to share progress and OER integration plan. 

• At least one check-in with a librarian colleague during the Fall 2024 semester.

• Completion of Google form final report by December 10th, 2024. 

If you have any questions regarding the VILLA program, please contact Christina Dent.