Cephalonian method

The Cephalonian method is a method of active learning for library orientation first made popular in the United Kingdom at Cardiff University. The name is taken from a method used for orientation of tourists at a popular resort in Cephalonia, Greece.

Introduced to a wider audience in 2004 by Linda Davies and Nigel Morgan, the method consists of giving students class cards with prepared questions they are to ask during the session for the instructor to answer. Questions are grouped into categories and colour coded to provide some structure; the order of the questions in any section is based on the order the students choose to stand up, which makes the sessions more random and reduces the repetitive nature of library orientation for both librarians and patrons. However, it may be more appropriate for first year students than more senior students.

This method can be used to reduce library anxiety.

References

1 2 3 Copenhaver, Kimberly; Dinardo, Carl; Koclanes, Alyssa; Schuler, Nancy (March 2017). "Cephalonian 2.0: Transforming Large Scale Library Orientations to Support Student Success". At the Helm: Leading Transformation: ACRL Conference Program, March 22-25, 2017, Baltimore, Maryland (PDF). Baltimore, Maryland: ACRL. pp. 99–111.
↑ Powis, Chris; Blanchett, Helen; Webb, Jo, eds. (2011), "Cephalonian method", A Guide to Teaching Information Literacy: 101 Tips, Facet, pp. 165–167, ISBN 978-1-85604-876-7, retrieved 27 January 2026
1 2 Scutt, Catherine; Verlander, Paul (July 2009). "Teaching information skills to large groups with limited time and resources". Journal of Information Literacy. 3. doi:10.11645/3.1.220. Retrieved 25 October 2017.

Brown, Charlotte; Hart, Simon (2009). "'I had no idea the library has so much to offer!' The Cephalonian method of library induction: shaped by students, for students, and starring students!". LIANZA Conference, He Tangata He Tangata He Tangata, 12th–14th October. Christchurch, New Zealand. Archived from the original on 10 February 2013. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
Davies, Linda; Morgan, Nigel, Innovative library induction - introducing the 'Cephalonian Method'
Jones, Rosie; Peters, Karen; Shields, Emily (2007). "Transform your training: practical approaches to interactive Information Literacy teaching". Journal of Information Literacy. 1 (1): 35–42. doi:10.11645/1.1.7.
Morgan, Nigel, Introducing... The Cephalonian Method
Smith, Brena (2008). "LOEX-of-the-West 2008: a first time attendee finds Greek sunshine in Las Vegas". Reference Services Review. 36 (4): 347–350. doi:10.1108/00907320810920324.

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[:0-1] 1 2 3 Copenhaver, Kimberly; Dinardo, Carl; Koclanes, Alyssa; Schuler, Nancy (March 2017). "Cephalonian 2.0: Transforming Large Scale Library Orientations to Support Student Success". At the Helm: Leading Transformation: ACRL Conference Program, March 22-25, 2017, Baltimore, Maryland (PDF). Baltimore, Maryland: ACRL. pp. 99–111.

[2] Powis, Chris; Blanchett, Helen; Webb, Jo, eds. (2011), "Cephalonian method", A Guide to Teaching Information Literacy: 101 Tips, Facet, pp. 165–167, ISBN 978-1-85604-876-7, retrieved 27 January 2026

[:1-3] 1 2 Scutt, Catherine; Verlander, Paul (July 2009). "Teaching information skills to large groups with limited time and resources". Journal of Information Literacy. 3. doi:10.11645/3.1.220. Retrieved 25 October 2017.