In-Class Instruction
Librarians will offer three semi-standardized 50-minute sessions. Please read the descriptions and choose the option or options that best fit your students' needs. If you are looking for something different from what is listed below, please reach out to a librarian to discuss your needs. Request instruction using the form linked at the bottom of the page.
Search Strategies
- Best scheduled when students have a clear understanding of their research assignment and a fairly developed topic in mind (students can apply their new knowledge immediately)
- Covers search strategies for the library catalog (books), databases (articles), and some open web searching
- Introduces use of keywords and Boolean operators for effective database searching
- Includes work time for students to practice and apply the skills to their specific projects, with a librarian in the room to help
Source Evaluation
- Focuses on lateral reading skills to evaluate sources found online, and includes a practice activity
- Will not necessarily include detailed instruction about identifying or reading scholarly sources
- Consider if you will accept non-scholarly but credible sources (government websites, reputable news sources, verified first hand accounts, etc.) for the research assignment, so students can apply their lateral reading skills.
Library 101
- Best scheduled early in the semester
- Doesn't require a research topic
- Consists of:
- library tour and a fun activity to practice locating a book on the shelves
- general overview of services and website
- basic how-to (checking things out, requesting research help)
- encouragement to visit the library often!
- Covers the very basics of locating databases on the library website and searching the catalog
- Does not cover keyword development or Boolean operators
