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Faculty Guide to Library Services: Library-Led Instruction

Information about library services available to faculty.

What is Library Instruction?

The College Libraries comprehensive instruction program is designed to improve students' research, metaliteracy, and digital literacy skills by incorporating information literacy instruction in the classroom. Librarians and archivists work closely with faculty to develop lessons that integrate with course assignments and SLOs. 

Library instruction takes place during your scheduled class session, either in a library classroom or in your regular classroom. It can also take place online, synchronously or asynchronously. Sessions often include some combination of lecture/demonstration, discussion, or in-class research activities.

Library instruction sessions are one of the ways library faculty build presence with students. Students are encouraged to schedule research appointments with their librarian if they need additional research assistance, whether for your class project or for another course.

Examples of Library Instruction

While library instruction can be incorporated into nearly all courses, the following examples describe some common types of instruction sessions.

Library Instruction for First Year Students

A librarian or archivist is matched to each First Year Experience and ENGL 110 course. Your assigned librarian will reach out early in the semester to offer instruction. While scheduling library instruction is not required for FYE and ENGL 110, this can be a great way to introduce new students to the academic research process and establish expectations that students seek out and use high-quality information sources for their assignments. 

Information Literacy Instruction for Major Research Projects

Upper-level students can benefit from a session focused on discipline-specific resources and research strategies. These sessions may include learning about annotated bibliographies, in-depth database instruction, and advanced discussion of evaluating sources and using information ethically. 

Archival Instruction

Archivists from Special Collections and the Avery Research Center teach sessions aimed at giving students the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively and efficiently find, interpret, and use archives, manuscripts, and other types of unique primary sources.

Digital Literacy Instruction

We live in a society where information and ideas are increasingly communicated in audiovisual formats. Communicating effectively through digital formats is a skill that can be developed in the classroom by incorporating elements such as podcasts, videos, infographics, and virtual reality. Librarians can help you develop digital literacy assignments and provide instruction and support for your students in completing these assignments. 

Tips for Success

  • Plan early: Reach out to your librarian or archivist early in the semester if you are considering library instruction, even if you don't have exact dates and details yet.
  • Share course information: It is beneficial to share your syllabus and assignment instructions for relevant projects.
  • Choose a focus: Consider which part of the research process your students will need the most help with and share that with your librarian so you can jointly develop a corresponding lesson plan. This can also help you identify the most impactful time in the semester to hold the session.
  • Prepare your students: Introduce assignments related to the library visit prior to the session, so that students understand how it connects to their work for your course and show up to the session prepared to focus on that assignment. 
Request Library Instruction

Begin the process of arranging library instruction for your class by submitting this form.

Request Session
Find Your Liaison

The librarian for your discipline can be your main point of contact for all library needs.

Find Your Liaison

Make an appointment with a librarian for one-on-one research help! 

Research Appointments

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