AUM Library - Policy - Library Instruction

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.

A. 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.

Policies Homepage

Return to Library Instruction Homepage

Page address: http://aumnicat.aum.edu/policies/instruction.html

Updated: 10/25/2004