Library Instruction Policy
I. Goals
Library Instruction is provided only for members of the AUM community.
The primary goals of the Library Instruction program are:
- To gain a working knowledge of AUM Library
- To become skilled in research techniques that will enable the student to use the Library more effectively
- To develop a systematic method of research that can then be applied to the writing of term papers and reports in a student's chosen field
II. Objectives
The following objectives have been established for each Library Instruction session:
- Identify and utilize basic library services and equipment
- Distinguish among several library formats, e.g., books, serials, microforms, etc.
- Recognize the Library's various classification systems
- Choose reference materials appropriate to specific research needs
- Identify and utilize databases and/or other electronic resources most appropriate to research needs
III. Types of Library Instruction
A. Tours
Professors who wish to arrange a tour for a class must call the Library Instruction Coordinator a week in advance to ensure that another class is not already scheduled. The class tour will be conducted by the professor or an instruction librarian at a prearranged time. Library instructional handouts or library assignments will be provided on request.
B. General Library Orientations
These sessions are designed for students in lower-level courses, e.g. ENGL 1010, & ENGL 1020, to acquaint them with the library and the services and resources it provides. Sessions are conducted by instruction librarians and/or professors. Based on the needs of the course, the orientation may include a tour of the library, introduction and demonstration of the library's webpage, library catalog, and other available resources. Handouts/web instruction packet and/or library assignments will be provided on request.
C. Subject Orientations
Subject orientations, which are designed for upper-level or graduate courses, focus on the course assignment. These orientations may also be taught for lower-level courses in certain disciplines on request.
- Resources are displayed and explained
- Copies of an index may be distributed for hands-on training
- Library instructional handouts and/or a web course instruction packet are provided
- Databases and/or other electronic resources are demonstrated
- A tour may be conducted
D. Workshops
Developed in collaboration with the professor, workshops are intensive, subject-specific sessions with in-class exercises and possible out-of-class assignments.
- Resources are displayed and explained
- Databases and/or other electronic resources are demonstrated
- Hands-on training and/or handouts/web course instruction packet may be included
IV. Guidelines for Faculty
A. Advance Notice
1. Notice For Previously Taught Library Instruction Sessions
A minimum notice of five working days is necessary for a library instruction session that has been taught previously. A library instruction session will not be scheduled during the week that the request is made.
2. Notice For New Library Instruction Sessions
A minimum notice of ten working days is required for a new (not previously taught) library instruction session. The longer notice provides the library instruction librarians with sufficient time to prepare an outline and instructional materials for the session.
B. Faculty Involvement
1. Professor/Librarian Conference
Professors are expected to plan the content of the library instruction session with the library instruction coordinator, either in person or by phone, in accordance with the notice requirements listed above. The professor requesting library instruction should have certain objectives in mind for his/her students. The professor should also provide the library instruction coordinator with specific topics relating to the students' research. The professor is encouraged to have a follow-up activity for students enabling them to utilize what they have learned in the library instruction session.
2. Attendance
The professor must attend the library instruction session with their class! They will be able to offer valuable input during the session and their presence will emphasize the necessity and value of mastering basic research skills.