Library Instruction

Frequently asked questions

• How do I keep track of my teaching stats?

  Record all of your instruction sessions on the "Teaching Statistics Report Form" located under "Quick Links." Then submit it to Library Instruction either electronically or on paper at the end of each semester.
  

First-Year Writing

• How do I sign up to teach my First-Year Writing Sessions?

  Kimball Benson (2-7089) is in charge of coordinating the library instruction.About a month before the semester, he will send you a notice asking for any preferences in class instructors. You will then be paired up with the number of instructors you have been assigned or volunteered to teach. With these instructors, you will coordinate the dates of the classes' library sessions.

  In scheduling the library sessions dates, the following guidelines apply:
  1. Library sessions should be scheduled at least one class period after the class instructor has introduced the issue/research paper and students have had time to choose a topic.
  2. Many instructors tend to get behind in their syllabus by the time they get to the issue paper, so it is better to encourage them to schedule later dates for library sessions if they are not sure.
  3. Sessions can be any distance apart, but doing them in back-to-back class periods is recommended.
  4. You as the librarian are responsible for scheduling the library instruction classroom for the sessions. These requests can be put directly on the calendar at http://liilrooms.lib.byu.edu

• What should be taught in a First-Year Writing Library Session

  The objectives of these sessions are to combine the knowledge students learn in the SMART Tutorial with practice time and one-one-one research consultations with each student to ensure:
  1. Students understand the credibility of different information sources.
  2. Students become familiar with and gain experience using library databases, catalogs, and other library research tools.
  3. Students become familiar with tools and individuals who can help them in all future research.
  
  This approach also allows you to work with the class instructor to meet the specific needs of the class and class assignment with any necessary subject specific lecture.

Advanced Writing

• How do I schedule Advanced Writing Library Sessions?

  Watch "Librarian's Guide to Scheduling Advanced Writing Sessions" (5:45)

• What should be taught in an Advanced Writing Session?

  The focus of an Advanced Writing library session should be on the relevant resources and research skills students need to succeed in researching a topic in their major. Basic research skills should not be a part of the 50 minute presentation. Refer students to the Library Instruction office for help with their basic research needs.
  Common elements in an Advanced Writing session include:

  • Demonstrations on the best research resources (databases and books) for the major • Research skills needed by students in that major
  • Fifteen minutes of practice time and individual help
  

Upcoming Events