Information Literacy and Instruction

Gordon Library provides library instruction to any course where the professor wants a class period devoted to information literacy. Whether it is providing an overview of the library's resources or a specific lesson on a part of the research process, librarians are here to help students master critical thinking and research skills to help them in their academic career and beyond. 

Please see our FAQ about library instruction, and then fill out the form to request a session with a librarian. Please note that due to staffing levels, Gordon Library needs at least 2 weeks of advance notice for any library instruction.

What do librarians teach?

Librarians play a key role in acclimating students to library services and helping them find and effectively use information resources to complete research assignments.

Possible topics include:

• Developing and refining a research strategy
   
• Dealing with plagiarism and citing sources
   
• Finding information using GALILEO Discover or other general databases
   
• Finding information in subject-specific databases, such as PsychINFO, ERIC, or Business Source Complete
   
• Understanding periodical types
   
• Evaluating web resources
   
• Identifying Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources
   
• Submitting Theses through ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database
   
• And more!

How can I make library instruction sessions more effective?

• Have the students working on specific topics so they will be able to apply and understand the concepts more readily.
• Faculty should accompany the class for the session, so we can have a more dynamic, three-way interaction.
• Let the librarian know the topics beforehand: it helps them to more effectively use examples that draw the students in to the process.

How long do the sessions last?

Library instruction sessions usually take one to two class periods, however, it is not unusual for librarians to provide instruction several times throughout the semester. It depends on the topics covered, course year, and information literacy skill. Librarians work with you to determine the optimal amount of time your class will need.

Who teaches the sessions?

Librarians have been assigned subject liaison areas. Generally, your subject liaison, working with the Coordinator of Library Instruction, will teach them.

When should I schedule library instruction?

Library instruction sessions are offered throughout the year. They should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. As you put together your syllabus, it is better to contact us as early as possible, because the class schedule fills up. 

Our experience has been that a common mistake is for faculty to schedule the class too early in the semester, before the students have a clear sense of what is expected of them and what they will be working on. Rather than speaking in broad general terms about information, it helps the learning process of students to be working on a topic that matters to them and learning these concepts by applying them in these sessions.

How do I schedule library instruction?

Complete the Library Instruction Form, and it will be routed to your library liaison.

What if the student needs more help?

In addition to teaching group instruction sessions, librarians are available to meet with faculty, staff, and students for one-on-one research consultations. To request a one-on-one session, contact the Liaison Librarian in your discipline or have the student complete the . 

[Adapted from USF Gleeson Library Instruction for Faculty Page] [Students in a computer lab" is licensed under CC BY 2.0]