LEAD FROM THE LIBRARY
Librarians are the natural drivers of inquiry.
Guided Inquiry Design® (GID) provides a proven framework and shared language for designing authentic learning experiences that go beyond traditional “research projects.” Through this tiered professional learning pathway, librarians deepen their understanding of the GID process, strengthen their instructional leadership, and build sustainable inquiry programs that transform the way students learn.
Where Librarians Shape Inquiry.
Pat Allen former Teacher and Wendy MacArthur, Library Media Specialist, Hopkinton Middle School (MA)
“I love that you’re creating a new learning pathway for librarians around Guided Inquiry Design. In this era of AI, GID has become an anchor—helping teachers shift from focusing on final products to focusing on how students are thinking, questioning, and growing. It’s been invaluable in my own practice and as a way to support teachers who are concerned about AI plagiarism.”
— Wendy McArthur, Librarian
The Guided Inquiry Design® Learning Pathway for Librarians
Level 1—Foundations
Getting Started with Guided Inquiry Design®
Format: Short asynchronous course — Available Now
Best for: Librarians who are new to Guided Inquiry Design®
Focus: The GID process, key phases, and what it looks like in action
Librarians will learn how to:
- Articulate their role across all phases of Guided Inquiry Design®
- Collaborate strategically with teachers
- Teach information literacy at the point of need
- Structure library time for deeper inquiry
- Take visible, confident first steps toward inquiry leadership
Outcome: You’ll understand the flow of inquiry and how to start conversations that open doors for collaboration.
See the big picture of Guided Inquiry—and your place within it.
Level 2—Mastery
Information Literacy through the Inquiry Process
Format: Asynchronous course (available year-round on the GID website)
Best for: Librarians ready to deepen their expertise and connect research to practice
Learn from a true library legend—Dr. Carol Kuhlthau, the Rutgers researcher known worldwide for the Information Search Process (ISP).
In this course, you’ll see how information literacy is inextricably embedded in inquiry-based learning and student-driven research.
You’ll learn strategies for teaching information concepts that transfer to any context, and adopt new mindsets so your library teaching creates lasting learning for every student.
What’s included:
5 hours of asynchronous professional learning
Video content, workbook, and reflective activities
Certificate of completion for professional credit
Course companion text: Guided Inquiry: Learning in the 21st Century (purchase separately)
Outcome: You’ll go beyond “research skills” to design authentic, lasting learning experiences grounded in inquiry.
Learn from the source. Lead with inquiry.
Level 3—Leadership
The Guided Inquiry Design® Institute
Format: Live or asynchronous course with four personalized touch points and coaching from the co-creator Dr. Leslie Maniotes
Best for: Librarian/teacher teams ready to design and implement Guided Inquiry Design® in their schools or districts
This is the core, official GID training—everything you need to understand, design, and implement Guided Inquiry Design® with a collaborative team.
Grounded in the Information Search Process (ISP) research and enriched by the concept of Third Space, this course provides a complete understanding of the GID process, tools, and classroom application. Participants learn to design inquiry units that bridge curriculum, standards, and student interests using strategies that foster deep learning and engagement.
You’ll Learn:
The full structure and concepts behind each phase of Guided Inquiry Design®
How to design a complete GID unit tailored to your students and context
How to use GID tools purposefully in each phase
Practical implications for implementation—from pilot programs to district-wide adoption
What’s Included:
Book ended live meetings an Opening and Closing share out
Two personalized coaching sessions with Dr. Leslie Maniotes
Official GID planning template and a comprehensive Google Drive of classroom-ready tools and resources
Course companion text: Guided Inquiry Design: A Framework for Inquiry in Your School (2012) — available separately
Implementation Resource:
Curious what Guided Inquiry Design® looks like from a single-school pilot to district-wide adoption?
Outcome: Participants emerge with a deep, working understanding of the GID process—ready to lead design, guide implementation, and cultivate inquiry learning across their schools. You’ll lead from the library—building capacity and confidence among teachers.
Turn your library into the hub of inquiry-based learning.
See the Impact of Librarian Leadership
These educators share how Guided Inquiry Design® empowered their librarian to lead learning and create authentic, student-driven inquiry.
Level 4—Coaching
Leading Inquiry Design and Growth
Format: Asynchronous with 4 live sessions with Dr. Maniotes
Best for: Librarians or district leaders who want to scale inquiry across classrooms and schools
Focus: Building coaching capacity for sustained inquiry implementation
You’ll Learn:
The mindset and skill set of an inquiry coach
How to facilitate GID design workshops and coach teachers through their units
How to develop a school or district system that supports ongoing inquiry learning
Outcome: You’ll expand your impact—coaching others to lead learning with Guided Inquiry Design®.
Lead the leaders. Sustain inquiry learning.
Every strong inquiry culture begins in the library.
Choose your pathway, grow your leadership, and join a global community of librarians transforming learning with Guided Inquiry Design®.