LibGuides CMS: Faculty Resources: Library Instruction

What is an Instruction Session?

Instructors can schedule a librarian to visit a class (in-person or virtually) to facilitate a curated information session to explore library basics, online databases, on- and off-campus resources, research strategies, and the logistics of library research - whatever students are needing the most. Sessions can be chosen from a list of curated offerings or a DIY/custom session can be created. See the First Year Experience - Library Instruction document below for a breakdown of where library instruction is required for students.

A librarian can assist with teaching your students about various topics, such as:

Introduction to library resources
How to find resources for a specific project
Researching in-depth projects (capstone, thesis, etc)
Evaluating sources, such as websites
Research tools like Zotero and CRAAP Test
Identifying different source types

Resources for Faculty

New Faculty Orientation information
This document includes basic information about the library and how faculty can best use its services and resources.
First Year Experience - Library Instruction
Students get different library instruction at different times throughout their AMC careers. The curated sessions outlined in this document are required sessions, so students get consistent instruction without much overlap. Created and sustained in collaboration with Student Affairs and key members of faculty, they include everything from basic library instruction to course specific information literacy topics.
Library Pamphlet
Tri-fold pamphlet with basic information about the library and services. Librarians tend to hand this out during class visits and other instruction events, and can be found in the library.
Online Student Information
All students have access to library services, including online students. This document is shared with all online students alongside other onboarding resources. Information will apply to all students, regardless of their being on-ground or online.

Instruction Policies

When scheduling an instruction session, here are a few guidelines to follow:

Sessions must be booked at least a week (preferably further) in advance.
Faculty must book a session via the Instruction Request form.
No more than 2 class sessions per instructor per day.
Library cannot support more than 7 total instruction sessions per week.
If students are working on a particular assignment, the assignment must be sent to the librarian before the session.

Scheduling an Instruction Session

To schedule an instruction session, fill out the Instruction Request form. Once this form has been submitted, the Research & Instruction Librarian will get in touch with you to schedule a session for your class(es).

When scheduling, please keep in mind that instruction sessions are most effective when paired with a required assignment or activity. Sessions can be scheduled any point in the research timeline, but are best incorporated when students have chosen a topic and are ready to begin research.

Instruction Toolkit

The Instruction Toolkit is a collection of handouts, brochures, guides, and worksheets for you to share with students. The library uses these in classes and in reference appointments, and may have some use in your classes. If you have any questions, email library@annamaria.edu.

CRAAP Test Worksheet
The CRAAP Test is a source evaluation model students learn in ENG 103. This document is a worksheet version which is great for students who want a more literal interpretation of the test or the ability to practice their evaluation skills.
Finding Sources Worksheet
Are your students beginning a research assignment? The Finding Sources Worksheet brings students through the process of establishing assignment requirements, topic/research questions, topic keywords, database selection, resource tracking, and any questions they may have for their professors.
Student Guide to AI (Elon University)
Published by Elon University in 2024, this guide provides a balanced approach to student AI use in higher ed. Includes AI terminology, instructions for best use, ethical use in and outside of the classroom, and more.
Information Timeline
This document is a handout for students on the cyclical nature of information and how different information takes varying amounts of time to be published. Great for students who are beginning to work on research assignments or are working with subjects where source type and publication date are important elements of research.