Library Instruction

Library tours are conducted for classes, groups, or individuals. The tour will be customized accordingly depending on the needs of the class or group. A tour highlights:

• The general organization of the library
• The library's collections
• Service points such as circulation, reference, and reserves
• Access to computers
• General library policies
• The library catalog and other print and electronic resources

Library instruction classes are conducted for individual classes on how to do research in general, how to obtain resources for specific subject areas, or for specific assignments or projects. The sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each class as outlined by the professor requesting this service. The students will be shown how to:

• Identify appropriate keywords and concepts in their topic
• Identify relevant reference sources for background information
• Search the online catalog for books and/or other materials
• Use keywords and boolean searches when searching databases
• Distinguish between scholarly and non-scholarly sources (journals vs. magazines)
• Find scholarly articles.
• Critically evaluate information sources
• Cite sources using appropriate citation styles
• Find other sources of information as deemed appropriate by the professor

Students also receive hands-on instruction (subject to computer lab availability) and one-on-one assistance outside of class.

Many times students are unwilling or afraid to admit they do not know how to access library resources, and even those who know are usually unsure of the specific databases or resources relevant for a given subject.

You can address this by doing the following:

• Call 919-530-7315 to sign your class up for a library instruction session, or
• Complete a Library Instruction Request Form. In order to ensure adequate preparation, please give two weeks' notice.
• Include your students' research topics or the class assignment in the request form.

Library sessions are more relevant and productive if done when students have chosen their topics. This will help tailor the presentation to the students' research needs. It's also helpful for students to know their topics before the presentation begins so they have an immediate and concrete need for the skills taught.

View the Library Class Calendar

Our staff members are available to work with professors to provide access to the following for students on Blackboard:

• Collaborate with the professor in creating library assignments for their students
• Provide library handouts and/or tutorials with research tips
• Prepare a bibliography of library resources students may find relevant for their topics
• Be available as the contact for students to email if they have questions regarding library research

Individual training is available for faculty to assist them in the use of a new information resource or consult with them on the design of library research assignments. To schedule an individual training or consultation session, please contact the Information Literacy/Library Instruction Librarian at 919-530-7315.