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:
- Demonstration of various citation management tools, their functionality, and benefits and limitations of using the software
- Recommended Guide: https://libguides.apsu.edu/citationmanagers
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.