Library Instruction FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Library Instruction?
-
Provides the Library's users with the skills and knowledge necessary to locate, extract and evaluate the information they need, both now as students, and later as lifelong learners.
-
Provides refresher instruction to faculty members who indicate an interest in updating their skills with the most current technology and information access tools.
Why Library Instruction?
According to library studies, 88% of community college students have not used the library to conduct research of the type faculty require. Library instruction helps students:
-
reduce anxiety
-
master the research process
-
focus and narrow a topic
-
locate a variety of information
-
recognize scholarly vs. popular articles
-
think critically
-
become technologically savvy
When is the Best Time to Bring a Class into the Library?
As they say, timing is everything. You'll get the best results if the library visit coincides with a class assignment -- you don't have to visit the first day or week of the semester. Studies have shown consistently -- and our own experience supports it -- that student interest and the level of research increases significantly when the library session relates directly to classroom assignments. It is usually best to schedule the session just a few weeks before the assignment or paper is due. If students come too early in the semester, before they have any real need for the information, they are less attentive and retain less. If the session is held too late, however, there may not be enough time for students to put what they have learned to good use.
Gee, I Need a Day Off Next Week, I'll Schedule a Library Instruction Session
Please plan to attend along with your students. They are motivated when you are there, especially if you participate by adding comments and answering questions about their assignment. Also, you can learn a lot about your students' information-seeking behaviors by seeing them in action. And finally, since new resources are constantly added to the Library's collections, you just might learn something by coming along! Classes will not be scheduled if the instructor cannot be present.
What if I Just Want to Spend a Class Session in the Library? Or Work on My Own with Students?
You are more than welcome to spend classroom time in the library, above and beyond a library instruction session--or do your own. Request the library's wireless instruction lab.
How do I schedule Library Instruction?
Schedule as far in advance as possible to allow adequate preparation and to assure your preferred dates. A minimum of one week is required. Request an instruction session.
How Can I Make Sure My Assignment Matches the Resources?
You've developed a great assignment for students, but YAARGH! What's this? The library doesn't own the materials you assumed we had. Please be sure when you give assignments that you've done your homework, too. It can make research a nightmare for students if you don't. Our staff is glad to work with you to develop or redesign assignments tailor-made to your syllabus (adequate lead time is always appreciated and put to good use).
For more information, contact Chris Sheetz at 366-7288 or csheetz@lorainccc.edu