Library Instruction Services

Types of Information Literacy Instruction

One-on-one or Small Group Instruction
We provide instruction to individuals or small groups upon request.
Please make an appointment with a reference librarian by calling 995-1540.

Course-Related Instruction

• Single Sessions:
  Librarians teach "one-shot" instruction sessions that teach some basic research skills for a specific course or assignment. These sessions can cover a range of resources for general or focused subjects, focus on one particular information resource or database, or can teach critical thinking concepts or research strategies. Usually 1-2 hours long each. (Allow more time or schedule another session for guided hands-on research activities.)
• Multiple Sessions:
  Because multiple sessions allow us to teach a broader range of research skills and to focus in more depth on concepts, this approach has become our most popular choice with faculty and students. This approach includes two or more sessions, each one focusing on one or two research skills. We can incorporate hands-on learning activities into workshops, dependent on time allowances.
  Some possibilities for focused, multiple sessions are listed below:
  
  

• English 111

  IMPORTANT: Sessions below use student paper topics as the basis for completing in-class activities.Library instruction sessions are purposely activity-based. Engaging students in these hands-on learning activities presumes that they have been prepared in terms of understanding why they are coming to the library and that they come with topics for their practice.

• ENG 111 Standard Instruction (Composition of Everyday Life Curriculum):
  Visit 1: Reference, Find Articles pt. 1, Internet :
  In-depth exploration of reference books and the research process; locating articles with the online article databases; Internet advanced searching and evaluation; keyword, subject heading, and boolean search strategies.
  Visit 2: Find Books, Find Articles, pt. 2:
  Locating books with the Library Online Catalog, WebCat; locating magazine and journal articles with library subscription databases -- continued; focus on keyword, subject heading, and boolean search strategies; popular magazine vs. scholarly journal article evaluation exercise .
  Visit 3 (optional): independent research with librarian-assistance. Demo of NoodleBib citation generator, if desired.
  
  
• ENG 111 Standard Instruction (Custom Guide to Writing/ Allyn&Bacon Curriculum):
  Visit 1: Reference & WebCat:
  In-depth exploration of reference books and the research process; locating books with the online catalog; keyword, subject heading, and boolean search strategies.
  Visit 2: Find Articles:
  Locating magazine and journal articles with library subscription databases; review of search strategies; popular magazine vs. scholarly journal article evaluation exercise
  Visit 3 (optional): independent research with librarian-assistance. Demo of NoodleBib citation generator, if desired.
  
  
• ENG 112 Standard Instruction:
  Visit 1: Chain of Information/Critically Evaluating Information
  Solely focused on the critical evaluation of information as a source - the "journey information takes" in the "information"/publishing cycle and how it should/can be incorporated in a research paper. Real life information needs requires matching information needs/purpose to relevant, quality sources of information. Thus, this is a very interactive session requiring students to review and evaluate various sources based on a specific event and research context. It is a full 2 hours - with a short break.
  Visit 2: Advanced Searching Review
  Comprehensive review of reference materials, books, government documents, magazine and journal articles, and how to use the NMC Osterlin Library resources to locate these sources. This session, using demonstrations and interactive group learning activities, provides a quick review of research basics along with advanced tips and techniques for using the various tools
  Visit 3 (optional): independent research with librarian-assistance. Demo of NoodleBib citation generator, if desired.
  
  
  Stand-Alone Instruction Session Menu of Possibilities:
  
• We would be happy to provide as a stand-alone session any combination of the visit options listed above, or any of the following. We can also customize class instruction to the needs of a particular assignment.
• Finding Books & Government Documents
  Learn how to effectively search the online catalog to locate materials at NMC. Can include an overview of the "organization of knowledge" and the 7 steps of the research process.
• Searching for Articles
  Learn how to choose an appropriate article database, construct effective searches, and determine the difference between scholarly and popular periodicals.
• Untangling the Web: Tips for Effective Web Searching
  Learn the differences between search engines, directories, and specialized web search databases. Learn to refine searches to retrieve the information you need and evaluate information found on the Net.
• NoodleBib: MLA & APA citation generator software demonstration

Course-Integrated Instruction
Librarians collaborate with faculty to integrate library and information literacy instruction into courses that contain a significant research component or that require the use of specialized electronic or print resources. Instruction consists of lectures, learning activities, out-of-class assignments, and group work presented in short sessions throughout the term. Team-teaching is encouraged. If you are interested in such a collaboration, please contact us.

Library Related Assignments
Librarians can collaborate in the development of or review any library related assignments. We can also provide input on making assignment more efficient and effective. For more information, see Tips for Creating Successful Research Assignments.

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How to Request a Library Instruction Session

1. Plan Ahead:
   In order to allow us to prepare for the class and to increase the chances of scheduling a class at your preferred time, we recommend a minimum of 1 week's notice. We are conducting rapidly increasing numbers of classes, so be sure to schedule well in advance if you would like to bring your class in for single or multiple sessions. Remember, some times of the year are busier than others!
   Note: Based on library staff schedules, we cannot guarantee that a particular staff member will provide instruction.
2. Check Osterlin Computer Lab and Library Events Calendars:
   Feel free to consult the two calendars that hold all of our teaching commitments and availability of "lab" PCs. Use NMC's Novell GroupWise software and Choose "Busy Search" from the "Tools" menu.  When the "Busy Search box comes up, use the "To" window to:
   • type in Osterlin 113 to search for availablility of the Osterlin computer lab
   • type Library Events to search for other library tours that may be taking place.
3. Request Library Resources:
   To insure availability of adequate computers or resources and/or librarian assistance, please let us know when you plan to bring your class in to work in the library. We would be happy to reserve a number of computers for your students. It is also helpful to send us a copy of the assignment beforehand.
4. Library Instruction Request Form:
   Use this form to schedule an instruction session or to reserve library resources. We will do our best to accommodate your request.  The following is Required Information:
   • Objectives of the class
   • Topics and points to be covered in the library session. Any particular resources to be emphasized.
   Note: It is very helpful if you introduce the research assignment to students before bringing them in for instruction.

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