Library Instruction

Providing a copy of your assignment will help us tailor our session to your expectations and the needs of your students.

Students don't retain information if they are made to drink from the fire hose, which is why we have a limit of 2 outcomes for each library instruction session. Additional outcomes require additional instruction sessions, which we are happy to provide if you are interested. We prefer outcomes that are simple and to the point. Here are two examples:

• Students will find at least 3 scholarly articles by the end of library instruction (concrete).
• Students will be able to describe the peer review process (conceptual).

If you would like you students to learn about using library resources or searching library databases, you will need to submit a list of your students' topics along with your instruction request. Students gain the most benefit from library instruction when they are familiar with the details of their assignment and have their research topics prior to the day of instruction.

Submitting a list of topics is optional if you would only like instruction on information literacy concepts. Examples of conceptual instruction topics include academic integrity, citation, copyright, and source evaluation.

Schedule your class using the Library Instruction Request Form. You will receive a confirmation or cancellation email within 2 business days of your request. For example, if you submit a request on a Thursday at 3:00, we'll get back to you before the end of the day on the following Monday.

Research shows that the best sessions are the ones we create in collaboration with you. In the days leading up to your session, your library instructor might reach out to you with additional questions, lesson plan ideas, or just to introduce themselves. Feel free to communicate with your instructor and please remember to send them the link to your class.

Your active participation is crucial to the success of your library instruction session. Students are more engaged when their teachers are present and questions about their assignment might arise that only you can answer. If you are unable to be present the day of your scheduled library instruction, your session will be cancelled.