Guidelines for Library
Instruction Sessions

The Instructional Services staff of the Library encourages all instructors to schedule library-instruction sessions for their classes. Popular topics include finding books and journal articles, searching the Internet and critically evaluating information. We can also work with you to design specialized instruction sessions that meet the specific needs of your students.

To schedule a library instruction session, please contact Matthew Haggard (x2437) or Jim Douglas (x2333).

When scheduling instruction, please note the following:

1. Schedule a session for the right reason at the right time. Library instruction is most effective when students will need to use it for a specific assignment. We will be happy to work with you to create library research assignments.
2. Schedule as far in advance as possible (at least one week). We need at least a week to adequately prepare an effective instruction session. We will try our best to accommodate any request.
3. Schedule customized sessions a minimum of two weeks in advance. Please take into consideration the amount of preparation time we need to create the content and handouts for specialized sessions.
4. Requests are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please include an alternative date in case of a conflict.
5. Please provide a copy of the student assignment and a course syllabus. Knowing what you expect from your students helps us to prepare a more effective instruction session.
6. We will contact you to verify the date, time, and place for the session and to discuss what information sources and skills you would like your students to know. Please let us know what your goals and expectations are for the session.
7. Your presence during our session sends the message to your students that library instruction is important.
8. Hands-on instruction sessions can be arranged contingent upon the availability of appropriate facilities. (Again, scheduling early helps!) While hands-on instruction is generally preferable, there is also the option in many cases of a demonstration session in your classroom.

You can help make a library session a success in some of the following ways:

• Discuss the assignment with students before the day of the instruction session. Be sure they understand your requirements. Also let them know that a librarian will be explaining the resources and search strategies they will need to complete the assignment successfully.
• We encourage you to ask us a question or two (or more!) during the presentation. Your participation helps clarify and reinforce important aspects of our instruction.
• We also invite you to comment on the relevancy of the instruction to the student's coursework during the session.
• As students progress with their assignments, encourage them to ask a librarian if they need assistance with information resources or searching techniques and strategies.
• Follow up the instruction session with class discussion of your students' experiences with the session.
• Assess your students' learning and communicate both problems and successes to the librarian who gave the instruction.