Librarians are always eager to work with faculty to help students understand the depth and breadth of the resources available to them.
Classroom sessions can be tailored to assist with specific assignment needs, as well as generally reinforcing information literacy and research skills.
Visit the Reference Desk at our Shadyside campus. Check out our hours to get started.
What do instruction sessions look like?
Classroom instruction is typically a 50-75 minute session in one of the library's classrooms. These sessions incorporate a combination of lecture and a variety of activities to keep the class engaged. Because of the limited time available, librarians will generally cover 1-2 topics during a 50 minute session and 2-3 topics during a 75 minute session.
What if I teach online?
Not a problem! Contact your library liaison to discuss options for online library instruction, both synchronous and asynchronous. Check out the library's digital resources for infographics, research guides, and more.
Some possible topics:
How to access the library's collections and services
How to use conduct a database search
How to request an interlibrary loan
How to conduct research
Crafting an effective search strategy
Using the library's subject-specific resources
searching the databases effectively
How to focus on a topic
Recognizing research as a non-linear process
Using the process of research to narrow your focus
Writing proper citations
Learning the appropriate citation styles
Tutorials for Zotero citation manager
Evaluating information
How to assess the reliability of a source
Identifying scholarly and peer-reviewed sources
Finding the appropriate source for a research topic
Understanding how bias can impact reliability
Create a custom lesson plan
Librarians will curate a lesson for your specific course or assignment