Library Instruction

This page provides information for faculty to arrange course-related library instruction for classes.

To arrange for library instruction: 

1. You may use the Instructional Request Form, contact the Reference/Instruction Librarian (227-2463 or e-mail), or call 227-2294 (Reference) to initiate arrangements for a session taught by library faculty and tailored to the needs of your class. Instruction sessions are most successful and best scheduled when students learn about resources as they begin work on assignments.

2. A library faculty member will contact you to discuss the needs of your class and to confirm whether your preferred date and time for instruction is available.

3. Your instruction session will meet during the regularly-scheduled class time in either the course classroom, LRC 235A, LRC 235B, or LRC 229.
Note: You are expected to attend library instruction session(s) with your students.

A minimum 14-day advanced notice is required to help accommodate your preferred instruction date. Please also provide alternative dates as requested. To insure instruction sessions during peak periods of the semester, many faculty arrange library instruction months in advance.

Library faculty teach resources directly related to student assignments; therefore, assignment details will be requested.

Steps Toward a Successful Library Research Experience.
Why Library and Information Instruction? Possibilities?

Information technologies are transforming the traditional tools for research. Increased access to information sources also means increased complexity. Instruction in information skills provides students a framework for lifelong learning.

Why Library and Information Access Instruction?

The faculty at Olson Library will help your students write more thought out papers by teaching them how to investigate topics using a wide range of information sources. In a course-related library instruction session, we focus on specific research tools or subject areas geared to your course needs and class assignments. Students learn to select, use and evaluate specific resources, such as online databases, reference works, and Internet sites.

Possibilities:

A library instruction presentation can be designed to fit any course. Depending on the time allotted, it could include various combinations of the following:

• Explanation of information resources and specific reference tools relating to course content and student assignment. 
• Explanation of how to formulate effective search statements, and critically analyze search results.
• Demonstration of how to choose and use appropriate subject-specific databases and how to locate journal articles.
• Demonstration of how to use the library online catalog.
• Application of in-class active learning exercises to critically evaluate periodicals and Internet resources.

Still have questions?  Please contact:              Mike Strahan                 227-2463                E-mail