The menu below provides examples of library instruction sessions. We can always customize a session to meet the specific needs of your class or assignment. Please contact the Library if you need more information.
Introduction to the Library
| Topic | Time Required (est.) | Learning Outcomes |
| Library tour | 10 Minutes |
Students will get familiar with Learning Commons space, services, and resources. |
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Meet your liaison librarian |
5 Minutes |
Students will understand that a liaison librarian is available to help. For example, a liaison librarian can be invited to Vet Tech Program new student orientation. |
| How can the library help? | 10 Minutes |
Students will learn library services and resources specific to the needs of the program or class. |
Choosing and Narrowing a Topic
| Topic | Time Required (est.) | Learning Outcomes | Framework Concepts |
| How to use library databases to develop and refine research topics | 20 Minutes | Students will learn to use library databases to develop a topic, conduct background research, identify keywords for searching, and adjust the scope of the topic to meet the needs of the assignment. |
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Finding Information
| Topic | Time Required (est.) | Learning Outcomes | Framework Concepts |
| Information cycle | 15 Minutes | Students will be able to explain the information cycle timeline and recognize the creation process and the features of information. |
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| Primary vs. Secondary sources | 10 Minutes | Students will learn to identify primary and secondary sources in their fields. |
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| How to search the library catalog | 15 Minutes | Students will learn how to find library books on a topic, request books through the library consortium and interlibrary loan services, locate books in the library, and understand the value of using books in their research. |
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| How to search library databases | 30 Minutes | Students will learn basic and advanced search strategies, choose appropriate search terms, refine search results, and use database tools. |
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| How to search for and read peer-reviewed scholarly articles | 20 Minutes | Students will learn to distinguish between scholarly and popular publications, search for peer-reviewed scholarly articles in library databases, and identify the key parts of a scholarly article. |
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Evaluating Information
| Topic | Time Required (est.) | Learning Outcomes | Framework Concepts |
| How to evaluate sources | 30 Minutes | Students will learn to evaluate information in a context, evaluate the credibility and relevance of the source of the information, and evaluate the content of the information. |
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Using Information Ethically
| Topic | Time Required (est.) | Learning Outcomes | Framework Concepts |
| How to use MLA/APA citation | 15 Minutes | Students will understand why citing sources matters, learn the basics of citations, and create reference lists and in-text citations in MLA or APA format. |
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| How to avoid plagiarism | 15 Minutes | Students will gain an understanding of plagiarism, learn when to cite, and how to avoid plagiarism. |
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| How to use Generative AI ethically and responsibly | 30 Minutes | Students will understand the fundamentals of Generative AI, recognize ethical implications in AI, and identify potential risks of using Generative AI in academics. |
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