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Instruction Offerings

The list below provides examples of topics covered and an estimation for how long each session will take. This is not an exhaustive list. If you would like to combine topics or explore other resources or session topics, we would be happy to create a customized plan that meets the requirements of your specific course.

Approximate Time Required: 25-55 minutes


Concepts Covered: Introduction to library services and resources, such as the library website, research guides, and PeaySearch.


ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Information Has Value
  • Searching as Strategic Exploration

Approximate Time Required: 45-55 minutes


Concepts Covered:

  • Identifying research questions
  • Understanding the importance of choosing a research topic
  • Conducting background research
  • Developing a research question

ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Provides an overview of all six frames

Approximate Time Required: 25 minutes


Concepts Covered:

  • Generating topic ideas
  • Keyword selection
  • Narrowing and/or broadening a topic to fit the scope of research assignment

ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Information Creation as a Process
  • Research as Inquiry

Approximate Time Required: 30-55 minutes


Concepts Covered:

  • Developing a search strategy using search terms and filters
  • Accessing full text articles
  • Understanding the peer review process
  • Identifying and using databases relevant to specific disciplines

ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Research as Inquiry
  • Searching as Strategic Exploration

Approximate Time Required: 30 minutes


Concepts Covered:

  • Searching beyond Woodward Library
  • Using WorldCat
  • Searching in Google Scholar
  • Using Interlibrary Loan

ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Research as Inquiry
  • Searching as Strategic Exploration

Approximate Time Required: 30-45 minutes


Concepts Covered:

  • Identifying and understanding primary sources and the benefits and challenges of using them
  • Identify strategies for locating primary sources
  • Utilizing primary source databases

ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Searching as Strategic Exploration

Approximate Time Required: 30-55 minutes


Concepts Covered:

  • Identifying characteristics used for evaluation
  • Analyzing the credibility of different types of sources

ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Authority is Constructed and Contextual

Approximate Time Required: 55 minutes


Concepts Covered:


ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Research as Inquiry
  • Information Creation as a Process

Approximate Time Required: 30-55 minutes


Concepts Covered:

  • Understanding when to cite
  • Creating in-text and bibliographic citations in specific citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)

ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Information Has Value
  • Scholarship as Conversation

Approximate Time Required: Varies


Concepts Covered:

  • Consult your librarian to customize a library instruction session

ACRL Frames Covered:

  • Varies

For more information on Library Research & Instruction, contact Ross Bowron or contact your Subject Librarian to schedule an instruction session.

Best Practices for a Successful Library Instruction Session:

  • Contact your librarian at least two weeks in advance to schedule an instruction session for your course. While we recognize this may not always be the case, the more notice you can provide, the more likely we can accommodate your specific request.
  • The library schedules many instruction sessions each semester, so please confirm a scheduled library instruction session before adding to your syllabus.
  • Have a specific assignment in mind and schedule library instruction at a time that is relevant to the assignment.
  • When possible, attend the library instruction session with your students. It demonstrates the importance and value of the session.