About Library Instruction
Library Instruction Home
Library Instruction FAQ
How do I schedule Library Instruction?
What should I expect to learn in a Library Instruction session?
How long does a Library Instruction session last?
Where are classes taught?
Who provides the instruction?
What times are available for Library Instruction sessions?
When is the best time to bring a class into the Library?
What type of Library Instruction can be arranged for my class?
How should I prepare my students for Library Instruction?
Do I need to be at the Library Instruction session with my students?
Is there help for faculty in writing assignments involving library work?
What if I Just Want to Spend a Class Session in the Library? Or Work on My Own with Students?
Do you teach classes for faculty?
Do you offer individual appointments?
Do you teach classes for High Schools?
So many Library resources are accessible from home; should I still come into the Library?
I've attended a Library Instruction session before. Do I need to attend another one?
Additional questions regarding Library Instruction?
Top of page
How do I schedule Library Instruction?
Go to the online form here, complete the information requested & click “Send Request.” You will receive an e-mail confirming your request.
Top of page
What should I expect to learn in a Library Instruction session?
Each Library Instruction session is different, because each session is customized to the specific needs of the class for which it is being held. Generally speaking, a Librarian may demonstrate the different formats of information available in the Library (i.e., books, journal articles, microfilm, etc.); the different tools that are used to search different formats of information (i.e., ILink (our online catalog,) remote access, online databases, periodical indexes, etc.); and the advantages and disadvantages of each format (i.e., when is it more appropriate to use a book than a journal article, etc.) Librarians may also discuss and give practical advice on evaluating information, and how you can ensure that the resources you are using are valid and relevant.
Top of page
How long does a Library Instruction session last?
A typical session lasts a class period. Instructors should be very specific about the kinds of things they want their class to learn and their priority. Given the information explosion from the World Wide Web and the complexity of so many research topics, instructors may be well served to schedule an additional instruction session.
Top of page
Where are classes taught?
M. Louis Salmon Library, 301 Sparkman Dr. NW, 2nd floor, Lab 206/207. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with all pertinent details, including the Lab # at the time of your request.
The librarians are also available to hold a session in any lab or classroom on campus.
Top of page
Who provides the instruction?
Instruction is provided by librarians at UAH University Library who participate in instructional activities as part of their job duties. Many librarians specialize in specific subject areas and teach sessions for classes in that discipline whenever possible (see the list of subject specialists). All instruction librarians are qualified to teach sessions for lower level courses that involve a general introduction to resources and research strategies.
Top of page
What times are available for Library Instruction sessions?
UAH Librarians are available during regularly scheduled course times, daytime and evening hours.
Time slots fill up quickly - contact us as early as possible each semester to make sure you get a time slot that is best for your class. We require a 2 week notice to prepare for a class.
Top of page
When is the Best Time to Bring a Class into the Library?
As they say, timing is everything. You'll get the best results if the library visit coincides with a class assignment -- you don't have to visit the first day or week of the semester. Studies have shown consistently -- and our own experience supports it -- that student interest and the level of research increases significantly when the library session relates directly to classroom assignments. It is usually best to schedule the session just a few weeks before the assignment or paper is due. If students come too early in the semester, before they have any real need for the information, they are less attentive and retain less. If the session is held too late, however, there may not be enough time for students to put what they have learned to good use.
Top of page
What type of Library Instruction can be arranged for my class?
UAH offers a variety of options for customized library instruction.
Instruction sessions can be designed around:
• a class assignment
• a specific library tool or database
• a specific academic subject
Librarians offer hands-on instruction in Library computer labs located on the 2nd floor of the Salmon Library.
Top of page
How should I prepare my students for Library Instruction?
Make sure that your students clearly understand their assignments and the level of work that is expected of them.
• what materials are appropriate for the assignment?
o books?
o encyclopedias or handbooks?
o journal articles? peer-reviewed articles only?
o Internet?
• how many sources are required?
• what citation format/style manual are the students required to use?
Top of page
Do I need to be at the Library Instruction session with my students?
Yes. Faculty play an important and active role during Library Instruction sessions.
• faculty emphasize important information during the session
• faculty clarify assignments during the instruction session
• faculty reinforce concepts learned during course discussions and later
Top of page
Is there help for faculty in writing assignments involving library work?
Faculty are encouraged to contact a librarian when developing assignments.
Databases and resources change frequently.
Top of page
What if I Just Want to Spend a Class Session in the Library? Or Work on My Own with Students?
You are more than welcome to spend classroom time in the library, above and beyond a library instruction session--or do your own. Request a library instruction lab.
Top of page
Do you teach classes for faculty?
We teach classes for any size faculty group. If there is a topic, resource, or service that you would like faculty to learn about, let us know!
Top of page
Do you offer individual appointments?
Librarians are available for individual research appointments for both faculty and students. Please consult the list of Subject Specialists for a librarian who specializes in your interests, or contact one of the instruction coordinators, Lisa Hullett or Annette Parrish, to determine the appropriate liaison.
Top of page
Do you teach classes for High Schools?
Yes. The Library has a active program in place working with the area high schools. Request a high school session by clicking here. Upon receipt of the request, we will confirm via phone or e-mail.
Top of page
So many Library resources are accessible from home; should I still come into the Library?
Yes. Although many Library resources are accessible from home via the Library's website, many more are accessible only in the Library. You need to come into the Library to check out a book, use a reference book, view microfilm, or use materials that have been placed on Reserve. The Reference Desk is also an excellent place to get help in finding information - - just ask a Reference Librarian. There are other advantages to coming into the Library. You may meet other students or study groups from your classes at the Library. You might want to ask them about your homework assignments, trade ideas about a research project, meet your group in one of the Group Study Rooms.
Top of page
I've attended a Library Instruction session before. Do I need to attend another one?
Yes. There are two important reasons why you should attend a Library Instruction session, even if you've attended one before.
1. Librarians tailor each Library Instruction session to the class for which it has been requested. Every session is different.
2. Also, we are continually acquiring new resources and adding new services at the Library. We may have added a new database, or made changes to the services we provide since the last time you attended a Library Instruction session.
Top of page
|