Planning an Effective Library Instruction Session
Auburn University Libraries and its Instruction Program are committed to helping all users become information literate. Librarians lead library instruction sessions using best practices in effective and engaged teaching, and relate content directly to student learning outcomes, in order to strengthen students' information literacy skills.
Librarians will tailor lesson plans to individual class needs. It is especially important for students to have an assignment requiring information resource use in order for them to receive the full benefit of attending library instruction session. Professors and instructors should share syllabi and assignments with the librarian and plan the library sessions together. Professors and instructors are required to attend sessions along with their students.
Point of Need
Timing is an important component of effective library instruction. If scheduled too early, students will not retain what they have learned. If scheduled too late, students will not have acquired the skills they need to successfully complete an assignment. A helpful rule of thumb may be to schedule a library session two weeks to 10 days before a specific assignment is due. Librarians request at least 2 weeks' notice to plan an effective and engaging library instruction session.
What is Information Literacy?
In the 21st century's information age, the critical evaluation and analysis of information in all formats is an essential proficiency needed inside and outside of the classroom. Because of its importance, "information literacy" is one of Auburn University's General Education goals, and a student learning outcome within the Core Curriculum.
Definition of information literacy:
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.
To be information literate, one should be able to:
- Determine the extent of information needed
- Access needed information effectively and efficiently
- Evaluate information and its sources critically
- Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
- Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally