The UT Libraries are a partner in first-year student success. Librarians lead instruction opportunities and develop customized learning resources designed for students enrolled in First-Year Composition, First-Year Studies, and Transition 201 courses.

Through participating in these experiences, students will be able to:

• Identify and locate different resources, services, and support available to them through the Libraries
• Utilize effective search strategies for getting started with research
• Describe ways of evaluating information resources before incorporating and citing these sources
• Begin to explore connections between their lived experiences and critical information literacy concepts
• Understand how they, as researchers and creators of knowledge, impact the Volunteer community

FYS 101 and TRNS 201 Instruction

For Fall 2023, the Libraries are offering FYS 101 and TRNS 201 students the opportunity for face-to-face or Zoom instruction sessions. Topics covered will include an overview of library locations, physical and online resources to support student success, and introductory search strategies.

If you are interested in an instruction session, please use this form to sign up by August 31. 

Resources for Teaching

• First-Year Composition Research Guide
• Digital Teaching Collections Guide
• Citing Sources Guide
• PowerNotes (Research Annotation and Organization Tool)
• Online Tutorials

Specialized Instruction

The Libraries offer first-year instruction and consultation opportunities focused on media literacy and media-based assignments, as well as archival resources. Visit The Studio and Special Collections pages to learn more about these options.

Please note: Due to the volume of English 102 instruction, Special Collections is unable to accommodate in-person instruction or use of physical materials.  Please see our Digital Teaching Collections Guide for detailed information on using our digital collections. In addition, UTK Libraries offer a wealth of databases that feature primary sources on every conceivable topic. Please do not hesitate to ask Library instructors to help you find those resources that provide the best fit.

Contact Us

• First-Year Composition: Erin Whitaker, Assistant Professor and Student Success Librarian for Information Literacy
• First-Year Studies and Transition 201: LaTiffany Davis, Assistant Professor, and Student Success Librarian for Experiential Learning