Shortcut Navigation:

instructional services image

Instructional

Services



'Knowledge is of two kinds:
Either you know a subject yourself
or you know where to find information upon it.'
Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)

The primary goals of the Library Instructional Services Office are:

  1. to prepare students to make effective life-long use of information resources;

  2. to support faculty in providing students with the skills needed to succeed in completing their coursework and research; and

  3. to facilitate the campus community's productivity through continuous awareness of information resources and their use.

In support of these goals, and recognizing the diverse nature of the Nichols learning community and the range of learning styles, attitudes, and educational levels, the Library offers a range of instructional services to individuals and groups.

LIBRARY ORIENTATION TOURS
Groups or individuals that would like an introduction to the physical layout and general resources of the library may request an orientation tour.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR (PDS1)
LIBRARY INSTRUCTION
Every student in PDS1 attends a full session in the Library that includes a brief tour of the library, and a basic introduction to searching electronic databases, and provides hands-on experience with the online catalog and one of the full-text article indexes/databases.

COURSE-SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION
Working in conjunction with class instructors, librarians design demonstrations, discussion sessions, or workshops to acquaint students with uses of information resources needed for specific course work and research. These sessions may focus on:

  • the use of the online catalog;

  • selected bibliographic, statistical, and other information sources in print or electronic format;

  • research methodologies appropriate for various fields of inquiry;

  • use of the World Wide Web for research, and critical evaluation of sources.

Handouts and bibliographies are normally prepared for each class. Classes may be held in the library or in a classroom.

Scheduling is on a first come, first served basis. As these sessions often require intensive preparation, a minimum two weeks advance notice is requested. Suggestions on how faculty can help to ensure successful sessions are available.

To schedule a class session please contact Matthew Haggard , at ext. 2437 (email: matthew.haggard@nichols.edu) or Jim Douglas, at ext. 2333 (email: jim.douglas@nichols.edu)

ASSIGNMENT SUPPORT
We are eager to help students accomplish their assignments as efficiently and thoroughly as possible. The Reference librarian would be happy to work in collaboration with faculty in designing assignments that require use of the library and its resources. For suggestions on designing effective library-related assignments, please see the Library's guide "Designing Effective Library Research Assignments". We would also be happy to offer some suggestions for alternatives to the research paper.

It would be most helpful if reference staff could receive a week's advance notice in cases of assignments that are likely to result in large number of students working on similar projects. In this way, we will be able to better ensure equal access to the best sources of the required information.

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION & RESEARCH CONSULTATION
Reference librarians are happy to assist students and faculty at any stage of a research project. In addition to point-of-need instruction at the Reference Desk, we offer individual research consultations upon request. Instruction may range from basic orientation and introduction to the research process to the use of advanced research resources and techniques needed for a senior thesis project.

USER GUIDES
A wide variety of research-oriented guides are available, including:

  • Subject-Specific Research Guides that list and describe information resources at the Library and on the Web related to specific classes or major fields.

  • General Research Guides with tips on how to effectively use print and electronic resources (online indexes/databases and the Web) for research.

  • How-To Guides that explain how to use specific electronic resources the most effectively.

These guides are available from the Library's homepage under Resources By Major ; and in our publications rack next to the Reference Desk on the Main Floor of the Library.

New guides can be developed upon request.



Back to top