Instructional Services Policy

Ask students to recall library instruction: some have positive memories, but many will confess that it was just a “free day.” As Instruction Librarians, we strive to engage students in the process of discovery—precisely because they have an immediate need to answer a question or solve a problem.

Our policy is that we give a basic library orientation to students who are notdoing research at the timethey have a library orientation. Typical orientations address accessing the libraries’ collections, finding help, and navigating the physical space in the library.  When students are assigned research at the time library instruction is requested, we offer tailored research assistance based on students’ research interests. Students learn to: identify discovery tools, create effective search strategies, and evaluate different types of information. In the case that instructors request research instruction, it is extremely crucial that students have already chosen topics and understand the requirements of the assignmentby the time they have library instruction.

It is critical that we maintain an open and lively conversation with other teachers, and that the differences between orientation and instruction are clear. Meaningful library instruction must be grounded in an immediate need for doing research. We strive to enable students to connect practical needs and plentiful resources, and we can accomplish this feat through continued collaboration and reflection.

*To request instruction: please submit your requests for library instruction at least 2 weeks advance. We appreciate having adequate time to prepare instructional materials to best help students succeed.

***Complete and submit an Instruction Request Form here: http://www.lib.utk.edu/instruction/request.html

We look forward to working with you!