Library Instruction Sessions
The Instruction Librarian works with faculty to develop sessions focused on students' information literacy needs. Sessions can be structured as intensive workshops focused on a specific research task or can provide an overview of library resources. The Instruction Menu on this page suggests topics that may be addressed in an instruction session, though faculty are encouraged to contact the Instruction Librarian directly to develop a customized instructional plan. The "Specials" are popular combinations of topics that may expedite the planning process.
Faculty interested in improving their students information literacy skills but unable to schedule an instruction session are encouraged to consider the helpful videos and interactive tutorials available on our Tutorials Library Guide. Or, reach out to the instruction librarian for new resources not available here.
Instruction Menu
|
Topic |
Estimated Time |
|
Standard Introduction & Conclusion (required in all first-time sessions)
|
5 minutes |
|
Basic Library Information and Overview of Services
|
5 minutes |
|
Developing a Search Strategy
|
10 minutes |
|
Library Catalog Basics
|
10 minutes |
|
Source Types
|
10-15 minutes |
|
Basic Database Searching* (using the library’s discovery tools)
|
25-30 minutes
|
|
Advanced Database Searching* quick recap of the points in Basic Database Searching (above), plus:
|
30 minutes, add 10 minutes for each database you’d like covered |
|
Advanced Googling*
|
15-30 minutes (depending on the number of services/tools addressed) |
|
Evaluating Sources*
|
30-35 minutes |
|
Citation*
|
25 minutes, add ten minutes for each additional style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) |
*All modules marked with an asterisk* work best when students can participate in interactive activities requiring computer and network access. Analog/lecture versions of these modules are possible, but they’re nowhere near as engaging or productive.
Instruction Specials
“The Blue Plate Special”
(a basic 50 minute session for a lower-level class with a pending research paper)
- Standard Intro & Conclusion (5 min.)
- Basic Library Information and Overview of Services (5 min.)
- Source Types (10-15 min.)
- Basic Database Searching* (using the library’s “Search Everything” tool) (25-30 min.)
“The Deluxe Platter”
(a 75 minute session for upper-division students with prior library instruction)
- Standard Intro & Conclusion (5 min.)
- Library Info/Services/Catalog combo (5 min.)
- Advanced Database Searching* (40 min.)
- Citation (25 min.)
“The Short Stack”
(a 50 minute session for new students not yet working on a research-intensive assignment)
- Standard Intro & Conclusion (5 min.)
- Basic Library Information and Overview of Services (5 min.)
- Library Catalog Basics (10 min.)
- Evaluating Sources* (30 min.)
Best Practices for Library Instruction
Library Instruction sessions tend to work best when:
- the course instructor and the librarian have communicated clearly about the goals and format of the session
- the students have already been given a research-based assignment and had time to consider possible topics
- the course instructor is present during the session to answer any assignment-specific questions that arise
- the students have notebooks or laptops for taking notes during the librarian's presentation
- the course instructor works to minimize time spent during the library session on traditional classroom business (e.g. announcements and reminders, attendance-taking, collecting or returning assignments)
- the students are reminded to take advantage of the relevant Library Guides on the Van Wagenen Library website
- the students and faculty take the time to provide feedback to the librarian after the session
Use this form to request information literacy sessions for your classes or reach to Freya Gibbon, at gibbonfs@cobleskill.edu (x5858).
