In addition to the one-on-one instruction we provide at the Reference Desk, we offer library research and information literacy workshops tailored to the individual needs of your class. We encourage you to include a library instruction session in your course outline and look forward to helping your students become information savvy.
To request library instruction for your class, call the Reference Desk at 587-5421 or email Ask-a-Librarian. Please let us know the following:
Instruction sessions work best when the following points are taken into consideration:
Students have an assignment that requires them to use the library and have been given it before they come for the instruction session. Good library research assignments often entail topic and research strategy development, expose students to a variety of resources, and promote critical evaluation of information sources.
The instructor has tested the assignment to be sure it is workable and that the resources needed to complete it are available. The librarians are happy to work with you to plan a research project that will result in a successful library experience for your student.
Sessions are designed to address immediate information needs. A "generic" library instruction session that does not address an actual, immediate information need is boring and not retained for very long. By telling us in detail the objectives of your course assignment, we can arrange an effective library instruction session that ties in with the content of your course.
Classes take library sessions seriously when the instructor is an active participant. Students are more likely to be enthusiastic when their instructors are. Prepare your class for the library visit by letting them know what you expect them to get from it. Let your students know that what will be done in the library class is important to successful completion of their assignment. During the session, encourage them to take notes and ask questions.
Librarians have time to think about your class' needs and plan an appropriate workshop. Please keep this in mind when you schedule a visit for your class. We ask for at least one week's advance notice to prepare for a session.
If you are planning on a general orientation of the library (appropriate for some classes but not most), please check with your students to see how many of them have already had such a session. You may want to focus the next session on particular skills, strategies, or concepts.
If you would like to bring a class to the library and do not need the assistance of a librarian, please be sure we get your name on our schedule. It can be wild and frustrating when too many classes are trying to use the computers or collections at the same time.
![[library logo with image of a jigsaw puzzle solved and the following text - library - seattle central community college - reflect learn connect]](/cclib/images/liblogo-h-sm.jpg)
