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Library instruction provides students with an introduction to library services, academic research and evaluating information.
Objectives
We are currently updating the objectives and outcomes of our program
Types of Sessions
Our goal is to meet with all of our students at least three times over their time at Fitchburg State College. Out instruction program is designed to build upon skills learned in previous sessions. As a result, we do very little repetition from one session to the next.
- Writing One sessions are designed to show students how the library can help them enhance the searching and basic research skills they already possess. Our students come in with a familiarity of the web environment and favorite resources. The aim of this session is to help them understand what types of informaiton and items are found in those resources they already use; help them understand the publication cycle of information; and show them how the library can help them access books and refernce tools to provide them with the material their professors are expecting from them.
- Writing Two sessions are the next step in the process of helping our students become information literate. This session is designed to help them begin to understand the difference between searching and researching as well as the issue of the validity and credibility of the resoruces we choose. We do this by turning a critical eye on the results found in search engines as well as helping them to develop a basic search strategy.
- Research classes are targeted at courses within the major that teach the students research skills for that field. This advanced level session ensures that students know which databases are appropriate for their subject as well as working with them on advanced research/search strategy skills like using boolean operators and truncation options.
- Specialized sessions are done at a professors request. The librarian will work with you to develop the session to make sure it covers the needs of your students. We often use these sessions as a chance to teach your students about some fun and helpful resources at their disposal like Google Scholar and Book searches, WorldCat and more.
- Faculty and staff session are done upon request as well. We encourage everyone at Fitchburg State to keep themselves up to date with the changes going on in the world of searching, research and information. We will do one on one sessions as well as group or department sessions.
- Tours are done for our archive and special collections. These are simply tours, not instruction. We design our instruction session to meet course goals and to foster information literacy. As a result, we do not provide simple tours of our library.
Request Library Instruction
Instruction is offered all year round and you must sign up at least one week in advance; just like any you, we need time to prepare for our classes. We will not accept requests less than a week before your intended date. We also ask that you be flexible with your date options. Our instruction program has grown in popularity over the past few years . It is our suggestion that you plan ahead and request your session as soon as you can, ideally before the semester begins.
Instruction is most beneficial to students when they have an assignment to apply these skills to. It is suggested that you schedule your library session when your students have an assignment to complete. If you do not have an assignment, the librarians will be more than happy to assist you in creating an assignment that will maximize your student's experience while not increasing your workload. If you would like more than one session we are willing to do this as well. Professors are required to be in the instruction session to ensure students participate and to be available while students have hands-on time during the session.
We require professors be in the session with their class.
- Your students will come if they know you will be there to notice.
- You will help the librarians encourage participation and provide assistance with hands on activities.
- You can clarify assignment requirements based on elements of the session
- You know your students and can motivate them and provide suggestions.
- You show your students how important it is they take this information seriously.
Please submit our online Library Instruction Form.
Request Use of the Classroom
If you are simply looking to use the room for your own class, please read the Classroom Use and Policies information. |
