From practice to theory

The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn is one of the four Inns of Court which support barristers and judges in England. The Library offers legal research support to those training as barristers. This has traditionally been "practical" training, with examples taken from old Library enquiries. From 2020, the Library's teaching and training has been managed by a staff member with extensive experience in university libraries and who holds a postgraduate teaching qualification. This has led to a revision of our teaching, informed by and based on pedagogical theories of how learners construct and retain knowledge. Our classes still have a practical focus, but also align with learners' needs as they move from training to develop the skills needed for practice. This has led to positive feedback from learners, and the expansion of our teaching offerings.