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How to Library While Social Distancing

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Information literacy is more than knowing how to use library resources. The Association of College & Research Libraries’ Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education encourages collaboration between faculty and librarians throughout all levels of a student’s education. Librarians can help you create meaningful research assignments that take advantage of the resources the library offers and the librarians’ areas of expertise.

We recognize that class time is limited and valuable. Working with a librarian in class demonstrates the significance you place on research and can lead to better student work.

To schedule an instruction session for your class, contact your department's Library Liaison.

Requirements for a Successful Instruction Experience

Ensure your students get the most out of their research instruction session. These requirements apply to all sessions beyond the "Library Intro."

  1. Consider the timing.
    1. The librarians will not teach on the first day of classes. As you plan your course's schedule, keep in mind that research instruction will be most relevant to students after they have a research assignment and potential topics in mind. 
    2. A minimum of one week's notice is required when scheduling a synchronous session, though it is up to the discretion of your library liaison whether to teach a class at shorter notice. Not only will this give the librarian plenty of time to prepare, but it will also make coordinating schedules much easier.
  2. Have an assignment.
    1. You must have an assignment that requires research, and go over it with your class before the instruction session. Students will be more engaged with the session if your assignment provides context for it; they will have a compelling reason to pay attention. Your library liaison can help you develop a meaningful research assignment that takes advantage of the resources and expertise we offer. You may want to add the librarian to your Canvas course, so they can see how the assignment fits within the other aspects of your course.
    2. It does not need to be in its final form when you schedule the session, but you must share your assignment with your library liaison when it is ready. We may ask additional questions as we prepare to meet with your class. It is important for us to understand your requirements and expectations, so we can reiterate them to the class. The librarian reserves the right not to teach if you have not shared your assignment with them or with your students ahead of time.
  3. Attend the session.
    1. Your presence is necessary for successful research instruction. You will lend authority to the librarian and convey that the content is valuable. Also, questions about the assignment often arise as students begin exploring, and only you can answer them. Finally, these sessions are an opportunity for you to hear about new and relevant resources and services.

Ensure your students get the most out of their research instruction content. 

  1. Consider the timing.
    1. Creating new, custom content for online classes is time-consuming. We require at least three week's notice to develop content for Canvas, though it is up to the discretion of your library liaison whether to add content at shorter notice.
  2. Add the librarian to your canvas course in the Course Librarian-Research role. See the video on this page for instructions.
  3. Have an assignment.
    1. You must have an assignment that requires research. Arrange the Canvas modules so students have context for the research content. Your library liaison can help you develop a meaningful research assignment that takes advantage of the resources and expertise we have to offer.
    2. It does not need to be in its final form when you make an instruction request, but you must share your assignment with your library liaison when it is ready. We may ask additional questions as we prepare appropriate content. It is important for us to understand your requirements and expectations. The librarian reserves the right not to create or add content if you have not shared your assignment with them.

ACRL Information Literacy Framework

According to ACRL, information literacy is "the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning."

The Framework is organized into six frames (see below), each consisting of a concept central to information literacy, a set of knowledge practices, and a set of dispositions. This worksheet will help you think through information literacy practices in your discipline and identify areas students might have trouble with.

Appendix 1 includes recommendations for faculty on using the Framework. Please contact Jennie Callas or your department's library liaison to discuss how you can implement the Framework's conception of information literacy in your work with students.

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