What is library instruction?

Library instruction refers to single or multiple class sessions, taught by library subject specialists, that introduce students to library research strategies and the basic information sources needed for effective use of the library. Library instruction sessions are designed to complement particular courses or fields of study. Instruction covers use of local resources including the AU Libraries' website and online catalog (AubieCat), as well as electronic indexes and databases, subject-specific print indexes and abstracting services, and major bibliographies and reference tools. Procedures for the retrieval and use of information resources are also covered.

Why provide library instruction to your class?

Library instruction can help students with any or all of the following:

Through instruction in the use of library resources, students will be better able to complete more thoughtful, interesting, and scholarly research projects.

Where is library instruction provided?

Classes are taught in two library instruction classrooms on the first and second floors of RBD Library. The 2nd floor lab has 34 microcomputer workstations, including two instructor stations and two printers. The first floor lab has 18 workstations, a printer, and an instructor's station. All labs are networked locally and are capable of Internet access; each is equipped with an LCD projector and screen to demonstrate searching electronic sources. Special arrangements may be made for larger classes. Library instruction is also offered at the Library of Architecture, Design, and Construction and at the Veterinary Medicine Library.

How do you plan for library instruction?

Library subject specialists are interested in becoming active partners in integrating information resources into classroom learning by assisting faculty with planning library instruction. They are available to consult on assignment design and implementation to ensure that the objectives of any library assignment are realistic and appropriate, given available library resources. Please contact library faculty (see list below) for assistance as early as possible when planning a library assignment.

Library instruction should be scheduled as far in advance as possible to allow adequate preparation by the library faculty member involved. Timing is everything: Students get the most out of library instruction if the session is presented on a date that closely coincides with the point of need for information. Once the session is scheduled, library subject specialists prepare their instruction in consultation with faculty, taking into account the focus of the course and the details of the students' assignment.

How do you request library instruction?

Faculty should arrange well in advance for library instruction for their classes by signing up online for a library instruction session or by contacting the appropriate subject specialist librarian listed below:

Subject Subject Specialist E-Mail
Agriculture Claudine Jenda jendaca@auburn.edu
Agricultural Economics Claudine Jenda jendaca@auburn.edu
Architecture Boyd Childress childgb@auburn.edu
Art Lynn Williams willily@auburn.edu
Biological Sciences (includes Botany, Microbiology & Zoology) Marilyn Christianson chrismc@auburn.edu
Business Glenn Anderson
 anderga@auburn.edu
Chemistry Robert Buchanan buchara@auburn.edu
Communication Barbara Bishop bishoba@auburn.edu
Communication Disorders Glenn Anderson anderga@auburn.edu
Consumer Affairs Andrew Wohrley wohrlaj@auburn.edu
Economics Glenn Anderson anderga@auburn.edu
Education Harold Goss gosshar@auburn.edu
Engineering Andrew Wohrley wohrlaj@auburn.edu
English Language and Literature Nancy Noe noenanc@auburn.edu
Foreign Languages Jim Gravois gravojm@auburn.edu
Forestry Marilyn Christianson chrismc@auburn.edu
Geography Lisa Beall beallis@auburn.edu
Geology Lisa Beall beallis@auburn.edu
History Tim Dodge dodgeti@auburn.edu
Human Development & Family Studies

Lisa Beall

beallis@auburn.edu
Humanities Marcia Boosinger boosiml@auburn.edu
Journalism Barbara Bishop bishoba@auburn.edu
Marketing Glenn Anderson anderga@auburn.edu
Mathematics Marilyn Christianson chrismc@auburn.edu
Music Liza Weisbrod weisbel@auburn.edu
Nursing Jean Liddell liddeje@auburn.edu
Nutrition & Food Sciences Jean Liddell liddeje@auburn.edu
Pharmacy Jean Liddell liddeje@auburn.edu
Philosophy Juliet Rumble rumbljt@auburn.edu
Physics Robert Buchanan buchara@auburn.edu
Political Science Jim Gravois gravojm@auburn.edu
Psychology Lisa Beall beallis@auburn.edu
Social Sciences Lisa Beall beallis@auburn.edu
Sociology & Anthropology Pambanisha King kingpam@auburn.edu
Theater Nancy Noe noenanc@auburn.edu
Veterinary Medicine Cindy Mitchell mitchcy@auburn.edu
Women's Studies Nancy Noe noenanc@auburn.edu
Zoology Marilyn Christianson chrismc@auburn.edu

If you have any questions about library instruction and are affiliated with Auburn University, e-mail Nancy Noe or call 844-1774. If you are not affiliated with Auburn University email Lin Thornton or call 844-1733.

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Page updated: Tuesday, 26 July, 2005 4:47 PM

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