Library Instruction Options
Librarians provide a variety of information literacy lessons depending on the needs of your students and the assignment. Below are some options that can be adapted for use in an online or remote learning environment and used in any combination.
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 Brightspace, and more. Please consult with your Subject liaison librarian.
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
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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.