Why library
instruction?
Library research can be overwhelming for many students.
The amount of information available, especially electronically, is
growing, and the ways of accessing that information can change
rapidly. Although many of today's students are comfortable using
technology, they are often unaware of the many sources of information
available to them, or how to critically analyze the types of
information that they find.
Top |
What are the classes
like?
Library instruction classes are designed to help students
navigate their way through the vast quantities of information available
to find what they need when they need it. Each class is tailored
for the particular subject area and the individual class. The
library instructor works with the professor to identify the goals of
the class and to design materials that will facilitate the students'
learning. Most of these classes are conducted in the library's
teaching classrooms. For a complete listing and description of
classes, click here.
Top |
How do I
schedule a session?
We offer classes throughout the semester, and need a minimum of one
week's notice to schedule library instruction classes. We can
schedule classes up to one semester ahead of time, so you can build the
instruction component directly into your syllabus if desired. If
you are noticing a pattern of research problems with your students at
any point in the semester (for example, if you are only getting
websites for sources), we can provide a short session addressing that
specific problem, or schedule an open lab to give students time to work
on their research with the help of a librarian. You can request a
class online, or by
contacting Carl Nelson by email cnelson@utpa.edu, or by phone
665-2753.
Top |
Where are the classes
held?
Most of our classes are held in the two library instruction
rooms on the first
floor of the library. Classroom #1 seats 48, and Classroom #2
seats 40. The rooms are equipped with a projector and instruction
podium, and with individual computers for each student. There are
printers available in both classrooms. If you have a wired
classroom, we can also do presentations there. This is
particularly effective with larger classes that need a general
introduction to library resources in a specific subject area. For
classes that have a strong local history or local issues component,
classes can be held in the Special Collections Department, also on the first
floor of the library.
Top |
Who teaches the
classes?
Our classes are taught by Instructional Services and Reference
librarians.
Top |
What other
services do you offer?
The Instructional Services Department is available to help professors
design library research assignments, such as information-finding
exercises, that will help develop students' information literacy and
library research skills. We will gladly review any assignments
that you are currently using or considering and give you feedback on
whether our current library resources will work well with the
project. We also provide one-on-one consultations for faculty on
new information technologies.
Top |
Assessment Surveys
Professors will be asked to have their students complete both a
Pre-Test before the assigned library class and a Post-Test after
attendance. These tests will be utilized in an effort to better serve
the students in their research methods. We do ask for your cooperation
with these.
Top |
Contact
Information
The Reference & Instructional Services Department is located on
the second floor of the library, Room 211. We can be reached
at 665-2753, or via email at: cnelson@utpa.edu
Top |
