At the request of colleagues teaching courses in a wide range of disciplines, reference librarians also design and teach library instruction sessions tailored to fit the specific research and curricular needs of students in particular courses. Librarians teach methods of research, sources of information, and evaluation of information.

Examples of what course-related instruction sessions may include are:

• Electronic database demonstrations with time for hands-on practice
• How to choose and use electronic and print periodical indexes
• Instruction in general and subject-specific reference materials
• How to use the URI Libraries Search
• Internet search strategy and evaluation

Classroom instructors may schedule a course-related instruction session by contacting a Subject Selector / Specialist in the Library. Instructors are asked to provide the librarian meeting their class with any supplementary materials (e.g. assignments, course syllabi, etc.) at least one week in advance of the day we meet your class. Also, please see the Creating Effective Library Research Assignments page for pointers on how to design research assignments that will enhance your students' learning experience.

When your students have an assignment that requires them to do information research, please consider scheduling a library instruction session with a librarian who can teach your students the research and information literacy skills necessary to succeed at the assignment. Please keep the following in mind when requesting your session:

In order to ensure a quality experience for your students, please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure the availability of a librarian, access to an instruction space, and preparation of materials.

Schedule the library session during regular class time. You must attend the session with your class.

Both experience and the literature tell us that students benefit from information literacy instruction most when it is introduced in conjunction with a research assignment. Students should have research topics before the session.

Please submit a copy of your syllabus, class schedule and research assignment at the time of your request. These materials allow the librarian to prepare an effective and appropriate lesson for your students.

If you would like assistance developing library research assignments, please contact your department library liaison.

Approved by the Public Services Department
March 23, 2008