Library Instruction
The UMD Reference Department offers library instruction for UMD classes and UMD groups.
Q. Why Library Instruction?
Q. What library instruction do students "automatically" get, and if they do, why more?
Q. What things are covered in a library instruction session?
Q. How long and where are the sessions taught?
Q. How far ahead of time should you contact someone about library instruction?
Q. Who Should I Contact for a Class?
A. To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. Because the library is constantly adding new materials - books, reference items, and databases/indexes, students (and faculty) need updates on reference materials, and databases are that appropriate for a subject area and how to use them.
Q. What library instruction do students "automatically" get, and if they do, why more?
A. Each student who takes freshman composition gets a 2 hour orientation. Depending on their major, many students may not use the library until an upper division class. Things are changing very rapidly in the information world, and what is current for one semester - or even part of one - may not be current the next. Because this orientation is very general, we are unable to touch on subject specific reference materials, databases or indexes.
Q. What things are covered in a library instruction session?
It will vary from class to class because the instruction is designed to fit the needs of a particular class. For one class, we might teach how to use search engines, for another which databases to search, for another how to do research in general. You, as the instructor, work with the librarian to "create" the class so that it fits the needs of you and your students.
Q. How long and where are the sessions taught?
A. Sessions can run as short as 10-15 minutes or run the full class time. They can be taught during the day or evenings, or even on the weekend. They can be taught in a Library Instruction Lab or in your classroom. They can be taught as a "lecture" or as a hands-on for the students. Again, we tailor a class to fit your needs.
Q. How far ahead of time should you contact someone about library instruction?
A. Ideally, at least a week for day classes. For night or weekend classes, it would be helpful to give us several dates and several weeks lead time.
Q. Who Should I Contact for a Class?
If you class is course related, please contact the librarian who works with your department. If you do not know which subject specialist to send your request to click here.
If you are a UMD related group or not sure who to contact, please contact Pam Enrici by calling her at x8586, e-mailing her, or stopping by her office in L278.
The UMD Library does not offer library instruction to non-campus groups including school groups. Our collections are intended for university-level students and are generally too advanced for most elementary and secondary students. Public and school libraries, though not as large as ours, are generally the most appropriate place for beginning research.
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