Information Literacy Instruction Guidelines & Categories

The Library Teaching and Learning Department provides course level instruction in different ways, including: 

  • Customized online learning 
  • Assignment development 
  • Class instruction   

Guidelines for Library Instruction 

  1. Library instruction offerings will correspond with the categories outlined below. 
  2. Instructors are expected to be present during in-person/synchronous Library workshops. It is crucial that instructors be on hand to answer questions about the research assignment if they arise. In addition, experience has shown that students are more engaged when the instructor participates in the session. 
  3. Requests for library instruction should be made prior to the start of term, or well in advance of the session. Notice is required in order to ensure availability and to allow librarians time to prepare and develop content. 
  4. In-person/Synchronous teaching should be linked to an assignment. When the information is relevant to students’ immediate needs and concerns, they are more likely to recall and be able to use the resources and strategies taught. Students should be made aware of the requirements of the assignment and have had an opportunity to explore potential research topics. 

Categories of Library Support

CoursesLibrary Offerings
The Teaching and Learning Team prioritizes library instruction and/or support for courses that meet all the following criteria:
  1. Everyone in the major is required to take the course
  2. 200 level courses and above, including graduate level courses
  3. Have a library research component, such as:
    • Research methods courses
    • Topics covering research design and/or program-specific research techniques
    • Essays, literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and other assignments requiring library research
Library support for this category may include any combination of the following:
  • In-person/synchronous curriculum-integrated instruction
  • Customized materials and lesson plans
  • Online supports such as library course guides, and quizzes
  • Delivered over multiple sessions or engagements
  • Led by Teaching and Learning librarian
CoursesLibrary Offerings
The Teaching and Learning Team can provide library instruction and/or support for courses that meet all the following criteria:
  1. Not required
  2. 200 level courses and above, including graduate level courses
  3. Have a research component such as:
    • Essays, literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and other assignments requiring library research
Library support for this category may include any combination of the following:
  • Brief (15-25 mins.) in-person/synchronous instruction
  • Custom Library Course Guide (created by Librarian in consultation with course instructor) and integrated with LMS course site
  • Use of existing library modules
  • Led by Teaching and Learning librarian
CoursesLibrary Offerings
The Teaching and Learning Team can provide library instruction and/or support for courses (or programming) that meet any of the following criteria:
  1. Not required
  2. 100 level courses
  3. Faculty or Program Orientations
  4. Co-curricular workshops
Library support for this category is provided asynchronously and may include any combination of the following:
  • Customized Library Course Guide (created by Librarian in consultation with course instructor) that may be integrated with LMS course site
  • Use of existing online Library modules
  • Research Fundamentals course (coming Sept 2023!)
*In-Person or Synchronous Instruction may be accommodated depending on workload and availability of Teaching and Learning Librarians

Did you know?

The Library offers instruction on a variety of other topics eg. Emerging Technologies, Data Visualization, Research Data Management, etc.  Visit our Library Instruction Support page for more details on how the Library can support your course needs.