Library instruction offers students, faculty, and staff a structured approach toward making the best use of the many resources that the library has to offer. Through hands-on practice and teaching of information literacy skills, librarians show students and faculty how to make information-seeking efforts more effective and efficient. Instruction sessions are generally geared toward using specific resources tailored to research assignments that students will be undertaking, but may also be used to teach conceptual information and research skills based on learning objectives and course goals. Sessions are also offered to faculty and staff if desired.

Library instruction sessions are taught by a librarian in a computer lab that is reserved by the course instructor and typically run the length of one full class period. Instructors may schedule multiple sessions per course section as well.

 The instructor also offers guidance as to which resources and skills should be taught by the librarian. This may include any two of the following: a hands-on demonstration of the library catalog, demonstration of research databases for finding articles, or a discussion and demonstration regarding evaluation of web sites. Sessions may also include instruction to help students develop effective research strategies or to learn how to use discipline-specific resources in fields such as literature, nursing, biology, etc. Sessions are typically designed to allow students time for hands-on practice by which they locate resources relevant to their research assignment.

All instruction sessions should be scheduled at least three days in advance. Students should be given advance notice of the research assignment and allowed time to choose a topic before the date of the session. We also require all instructors to be present with their classes for the entire session. To schedule a library instruction session, please fill out and submit the online form by clicking on the following link:

Instructors are welcome to bring their classes to the library for research that does not involve instruction from a librarian. Instructors are asked to notify the library 24 hours in advance before bringing classes to the library to do research. Please note that due to the lack of computer workstations in the library, we will not always be able to reserve computers for your students' use.