In-person, Virtual, and Hybrid Instruction

Librarians can conduct instruction sessions remotely/virtually and in-person. The Library is fully able to support remote, online, and dual delivery classes, both synchronously and asynchronously and in-person classes. Your librarian will discuss options with you including Zoom guest lectures, tutorials, course guides, librarian integration into Moodle, and more. Please consult with your Subject liaison librarian.

Depending on the needs of the course, in-person information literacy and research instruction can be discussed on a case-by-case basis. The decision to conduct an in-person information literacy and research class is at the sole discretion of the librarian. Please note that an in-person class format does not obligate an in-person information literacy/research library session.

The Library reserves the right to change this policy at any time.

Introduction to Library and Research Services

  • Tour of Library including service points (reference desk, circulation desk) and book stacks
  • Explore individual collections that are relevant to course or department
  • Explore library website and online resources that are relevant to course

Learning About Source Types

  • Students investigate a variety of source types and learn their differences and advantages
  • Sources may be books, academic, popular, and trade journals, newspapers, primary sources, social media, or others depending on course needs

Citations

  • Students learn why we cite (give credit where it is due, citations as research resource)
  • Identify the parts of the citation
  • Practice creating citations
  • Track down sources from a citation and footnote chasing 
  • Introduction to Zotero citation management software

Keyword Brainstorming and Development

  • Introduction to brainstorming and keyword formation
  • Hands-on activities such as keyword worksheets, mind/concept mapping, and keyword generators 
  • How to use Boolean Operators and Advanced Search

Resource Searching and Assessing Results

  • Demonstration of databases relevant to course including:
    • Identifying relevant databases based on topic and discipline
    • Search tips and strategies
    • Navigating database search results
    • Keeping track of research, saving searches, and setting up alerts
  • Review of discipline specific research guides created by Purchase College librarians
  • Students learn how to assess search results and adjust search methods accordingly
  • Creation of course or assignment specific guides

Deconstruct a Scholarly Article

  • Students learn to identify scholarly articles and understand what research is peer reviewed
  • Students learn how to find scholarly articles using library resources
  • Students do an activity that deconstructs the parts of a scholarly article and compares scholarly articles to popular articles

Active Learning and Research

Students conduct independent research with computers or laptops with a librarian on-hand to provide research help and assistance

Guided Exploration of Collections

Students are guided in an exploration of specific library materials such as artists’ books, special collections, and music scores. 

To request an information literacy/research skills instruction session, please contact your Subject liaison librarian. If your discipline does not have a liaison listed, or you are not sure who to contact, please email Kim Detterbeck, Instruction Coordinator, or fill out the Library Instruction Request Form to schedule a session, workshop, or tour.