How long is a library instruction session?
Answer
The length of an instruction session is dependent on what you would like librarians to cover with students.
Allotting more class time allows students to practice with library tools and skills in a low stakes setting. This increases their comfort and confidence when working independently. Library activities offer an opportunity to start an assignment, practice searching with tools, or explore information literacy concepts like evaluation, citation, source types, and more. Examples of activities include guided research exercises, zine making, citation puzzles, Kahoots, whiteboard activities, etc.
Shorter sessions that introduce databases and other topics with less structured activities are also possible. We also offer asynchronous instruction options including Course Guides, worksheets, quizzes, and videos. Students can use these options before or after an in class session or in place of an in class session.
We prefer not to schedule instruction sessions that run less than 30 minutes.
It is also possible to schedule more than one short or long session, if library schedule and staffing allow. If it makes more sense to divide up topics based upon your course schedule, please ask.
There are pre-set lessons for First Year Seminar and ENG120: Writing for Colleges classes. These sessions typically run the full 75 minutes.
If you need further help, contact a librarian