Conversation Hour in the Academic Library: A Getting Started Guide

Conversation programming is library programming that supports English language learners. Typically, this programming has often been conducted in public libraries, where librarians or volunteers host a small group session, either in person or on a video-conferencing platform, for English language learners to practice listening and speaking skills. For the academic library, conversation programming is an increasingly relevant program as the immigrant-origin student populations continue to grow. However, moving from a traditional conversation programming curriculum to one tailored to the academic population requires some thought and preparation. In the Winterim semester of 2022–2023, I started a Conversation Hour program at the Scott Community College (SCC) Library at the request of a student, which has grown to be a useful tool as we build a pipeline from our non-credit to credit English-language learner classes. The following are my reflections that will hopefully provide insight for community colleges that offer both non-credit adult education and credit ELL classes to consider adding a program to support their English language learner population.