The Fun of Motivation: Crossing the Threshold Concepts. By Mary Francis. Chicago: ACRL, 2017. 182 p. Paper $48.00 (ISBN 978-0-8389-8933-3).

When ACRL officially adopted the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education in 2016, fun was not a word many librarians would associate with this new Framework, as it required new ways of incorporating information literacy concepts and skills into library instruction sessions. Instead of strict standards, the Framework interconnects ideas and concepts about information, research, and scholarship that will allow the student, instructor, and librarian greater flexibility in developing new curricula.

The Fun of Motivation is a great resource to use for librarians considering, or in the process of, incorporating the Framework into their instruction sessions. Experienced instruction librarians revising the way they teach library instruction, as well as brand new instruction librarians, will find something helpful in The Fun of Motivation. This book helps librarians be deliberate in their teaching of the Framework’s threshold concepts by incorporating engaging instruction techniques into their library instruction sessions. The first part introduces motivational theories, the relationship of fun and education, and instructional techniques. Instruction librarians with education backgrounds or who are familiar with education theories, could probably skim through part one quickly. The second part is an application of the theories and techniques discussed in part one, including lessons plans and learning objectives, as well as assessment ideas and rubrics.

The lesson plans and rubrics can easily go from the office to the classroom. By utilizing an instructional design approach, this book helps librarians plan and organize their instruction sessions by starting with learning outcomes. Every chapter also includes a section with ideas on modifications and accommodations for discussions during the session, as well as how to adapt the lessons to different student groups and classes. The Fun of Motivation will help librarians, “approach the new Framework with a spirit of fun as [they] work toward the shared goal of developing information-literate students” (p. 4).—Magen Bednar, Student Success and Engagement Librarian, University of Oklahoma Libraries, Norman, Oklahoma