Library Instruction

Library instruction helps students learn how to more efficiently and effectively use library resources in conducting research in writing.

Interested in having a library instruction session for your class? Read the following for more information:

• Library Instruction works best when it is presented in conjunction with a professor's specific assignment.

  • This way, the librarian can focus the instruction on the research skills, concepts, and resources that students will put to use in their research and writing process. 

• Lessons are flexible and can take up an entire class period or less, depending on the research needs and requests of the professor. 

• Multiple sessions to cover extensive topics can also be arranged. 

• Online materials can be developed to support the research needs of a class. These can include online research guides, videos, or interactive tutorials. 

• Library instruction must be scheduled one week prior to the requested date for instruction. 

• Please note that the classroom professor is expected to attend the session, as this reinforces the importance of the material to students.

• Library instruction can be held in the professor's classroom or a library classroom.

Faculty whose courses comprise mostly upper-level or graduate students are welcome to book library instruction classes. Library faculty will collaborate with academic faculty to design lessons for specific course or assignment learning objectives. All efforts will be made to pair classes with the appropriate subject librarian. Classes can include time for individual, guided research practice.

Please note that we have a comprehensive First Year Library Instruction Program for English 1201 and English 1202. If your class comprises mostly first-year students, we encourage you to seek an alternate path of library support other than library instruction since students will have most likely had two classes with us over the course of their school year.