California Clearinghouse on Library Instruction:
Our History
The California Clearinghouse on Library Instruction (CCLI) was formed to
provide a forum for California librarians interested in library
instruction. In 1973 after a pre-conference on "Teaching the Library" at
the California Library Association, there was a desire by reference
librarians attending to share innovative instructional ideas and
materials through a clearinghouse in order to avoid unnecessary
duplication of work. CCLI was at one time part of CLA but when CLA
restructured and required membership dues, CCLI opted to become
independent again.
CCLI remains a grassroots organization, comprised of working instruction
librarians at all types of libraries. It charges no dues and tries to
keep the annual workshop in the spring affordable and convenient for
attendees. Programs tend to focus on practical aspects of library
instruction.
CCLI was originally geographically divided--CCLI North and CCLI-South.
The southern section is now part of an Interest Group within CARL.
CCLI has elected officers but membership in the Steering Committees
comprised of members who attend any given meeting. The Steering
Committees serves primarily as a program planning committee. Programs
are on various instructional topics such as teaching the Internet,
evaluating library instruction, and using computer graphics in
instruction. The original depositories that were the primary focus of
CCLI have long since been replaced by links to online resources. Two newsletters are also published each year.