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Library Instruction and Information Literacy

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1 Request a Library Instruction Session
2 Library Instruction & Information Literacy
- 2.1 Information Literacy
- 2.2 Effective Library Assignments
3 Policies and Procedures
4 Library Tours and Podcasts
5 UNIV Course Instruction
6 Quick Guides
7 Tutorials

Contact:

Nancy Noe Instruction Coordinator 334-844-1774

Juliet Rumble Instruction Librarian 334-844-0236

Melanie Brooks Instruction Librarian 334-844-8268

[edit] Request a Library Instruction Session

Complete online request form OR

Contact one of the instruction team members above OR

Contact the subject specialist of your choice

[edit] Library Instruction & Information Literacy

[edit] Information Literacy

Information literacy is defined as the ability to find, evaluate and use information. The AU Library faculty is committed to providing faculty, staff and students with the information literacy skills needed for success both inside and outside of the classroom. Library instruction sessions reflect best practices in effective and engaged teaching, and relate directly to student learning outcomes.

To be information literate, one should be able to:

Determine the extent of information needed
Access needed information effectively and efficiently
Evaluate information and its sources critically
Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally

[edit] Effective Library Assignments

Do’s

Design your assignment so that students are asked to find, evaluate and use information in a meaningful, relevant way.
Schedule a course-related library instruction session and/or discuss the assignment with your library subject specialist.
Clearly define the task and identify the sources students can and cannot use.
Work through the assignment yourself; make sure that the library has the resources you and your students require.
Focus on information content, not container. Be aware that electronic sources may be more appropriate and readily available than print sources.
Give your students a copy of the assignment, including a list of resources you would like for them to consult.
Place materials on reserve if students will be using the same resource.

Give students enough time to complete the assignment successfully. Remind students that, even under the best circumstances, research takes time.
Encourage students to stop by the reference desk if they need assistance.

Don’ts

Create a treasure or scavenger hunt. These types of assignments focus on discrete answers and do not develop research and information literacy skills in a meaningful or relevant way.
Expect that a walk-through tour of the library will teach your students everything they need to know about the library and research.
Ask a class to retrieve the same exact print resource; students may have difficulty accessing it.
Use incomplete or inaccurate names when referring to a source. For example, EBSCO is a database vendor; Academic Search Premier is the name of a general database.
Require a source that the library does not own.
Assign a generic assignment out of a handbook or textbook unless you check to see if it works ahead of time.

[edit] Policies and Procedures

[edit] Point of Need

Timing is an important component of effective library instruction. If scheduled too early, students will not retain what they have learned. If scheduled too late, students will not have acquired the skills they need to successfully complete an assignment. A helpful rule of thumb may be to schedule a library session two weeks to 10 days before a specific assignment is due. Instruction sessions should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

[edit] Faculty/Librarian Collaboration

Librarians will tailor presentations to individual class needs. It is especially important for students to have an assignment requiring information resource use in order for them to receive the full benefit of attending a library instruction session. Faculty should share syllabus and assignments with the librarian and plan the library session together. Professors are required to attend sessions along with their students.

[edit] Library Instruction Labs

Auburn University Library's instruction labs are available only for classes that require library research or information literacy instruction, taught by library faculty.

[edit] Library Tours and Podcasts

[edit] UNIV Course Instruction

UNIV course instructors may choose from several instruction options. Please refer to the Library Instruction Guide for UNIV Courses and contact Melanie Brooks with questions.