Librarians tailor instruction sessions to meet your course assignment outcomes and develop students’ information literacy competencies. Our instruction is also informed by six key concepts in the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education from the Association of College & Research Libraries.
Sessions are available in a Library instruction space (40 seats maximum), your classroom, or remotely via Zoom/CatCourses. We can also work in hybrid modalities.
To allow library instructors time to schedule and plan a lesson for your class, please request sessions two weeks in advance of your preferred date. We look forward to working with you!
Set Students up for Success by Preparing for a Library Visit
We recommend the following best practices for more effective information literacy instruction:
- The session is connected to a specific research assignment that students have actively worked on prior to the session date.
- Librarians become familiar with the course context by reviewing the course syllabus & assignment details and communicating & collaborating with instructors.
- The session is focused on a limited number of learning outcomes, avoiding cognitive overload and allowing time for practicing concepts.
- Students prepare for the library session through targeted pre-activities to review or introduce key concepts.
- Note: Research consultations after a library instruction session should be voluntary for students, not assigned. The Instructor may make prior arrangements with the Librarian for group or individual consultations, depending on Librarian availability.
- If your request is for Archival Instruction (with content from our University Archives & Special Collections), please review what to expect.
Alternatives to Library Instruction
- The Library Tour is available for students to take independently.
- We have pre-recorded on-demand workshops available on our website.
- Additionally, we can create targeted asynchronous materials such as CatCourses modules and videos to support your course outcomes. Please email us at library@ucmerced.edu to get started.
How to Request Instruction
Visit the page Request Course-Integrated Library Instruction to find the request form and further details.
