Library Instruction

What is library instruction?

Library instruction is librarians teaching students, faculty, staff and other library users how to develop effective search strategies to find information. Librarians give instruction on how to use the library's catalog, how to use online databases, how to evaluate print resources, and how to formulate and, if necessary, change the search strategy to fulfill the information need.

Generally speaking, there are two (2) types of library instruction: 1) General tours of the main library building and 2) Computer lab workshops in the use of the electronic resources.

1. General tours consist mainly of orientation to the physical location of resources in the library, such as bibliographic indexes, computer clusters, reference materials, government documents, microfilm, periodical storage, etc. General tours can also include instruction in the use of library materials in general or even specific resources, but for more in depth coverage of research methods, the library recommends that faculty members schedule computer lab workshops.
2. Computer lab workshops are conducted in the computer lab on the second floor of the technology center half of the library building. Since this lab is used by other members of the university community on a daily basis, and librarians need to prepare for computer workshops, it is important that workshops be scheduled in advance. Workshops are intended to orient users to the library's electronic environment, such as the library catalog, electronic indexes (databases), Internet research, and other computer-based resources.

Goals and Objectives of Library Instruction

Goals

• To increase user awareness of the library as the primary source of information to which students, faculty and staff may turn to for assistance with their information needs.
• To educate patrons and other library users on how to make the best use of library resources.
• To help users develop and recognize effective research skills and strategies.

Objectives

• Identify and utilize basic library services and equipment.
• Distinguish among several library formats, e.g. serials, books, microforms etc. and learn how to locate them.
• Recognize library classification systems (Library of Congress, SuDOC)
• Choose reference materials appropriate to the research need.
• Identify and effectively utilize online databases most appropriate to research needs.

Scheduling

Faculty must schedule a library instruction session or tour at least five (5) days in advance. The session can be conducted in the library, in an Internet-ready classroom or lab, or even in the classroom itself. To arrange a session, please call Lanee Dunlap at 460-1481 or e-mail her at dunlapl@uamont.edu.