What is Library Instruction?

Information literacy is a core instructional pedagogy in higher education. The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), the primary professional organization for academic librarians, first described information literacy in 1989. Since then numerous disciplinary and accrediting associations have also incorporated the Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education and/or information literacy language into their documents.

At the Henry Madden Library, information literacy is more than just giving students a tour of the library or showing them the library catalog. Our goal is to develop 21st century information and technology competencies and the skills for lifelong learning. Information literate students are able to find, evaluate and use information effectively to solve problems and make decisions.

Information literacy is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning. However incorporating information literacy across curricula, in all programs and services, and throughout the administrative life of the university, requires the collaborative efforts of faculty, librarians, and administrators.

Library Tutorials:

Our tutorials support student learning of the ACRL's Information Literacy Standards. Located in Blackboard, students and instructors can access these tutorials that teach you about the various aspects of the research process and basic library services.

Step-by-Step Instruction on how to login to blackboard.

• 7 Secrets to Success: online library tour
• Choosing a Topic
• Searching, Finding and Evaluating Books
• Searching, Finding and Evaluating Articles
• Citing & Plagiarism
• First Year Writing*

*For English 5A, 5B, or 10 only.

One On One Assistance:

Our Reference Desk is staffed by professional librarians during normal library hours that will help anyone who asks. We will teach our users how to search and access information. The goal is to help library users become as independent as possible.

Why not chat or txt with a librarian at the Reference Desk from the comfort of your home or office? Need Help? Ask!

You may also make an appointment for an in-depth consultation either individually or with your group. Each academic school has a librarian(s) who is the liaison to the departments in that school.