Prepping for Library Instruction

Start by asking yourself how you imagine the student will proceed after receiving library instruction. More specifically: what skills do they have or are they empowered to learn more about.

If you have spoken with the professor, make note of any specific guidance they have provided. Remember, you can always contact the faculty during instruction preparation.

Look at our Instruction Objectives and pick some to help you fulfill the ideal session you’ve outlined in step 1. Be careful not to pick too many and overcommit. Here are our basis suggestions: if given a whole class period, please pick 4-5 objectives. If given 45 minutes, pick 3. If given 30 minutes or less, pick 2.

Once you decide on Objectives to focus on, start looking at the Learning Outcomes. Again, select an appropriate number of outcomes from this list that will best help you communicate your highlighted research concepts. Usually, we like to pick around the same number of outcomes as objectives, but this is just a rough guide. You can get more complex with this lesson plan by mapping multiple outcomes to a single objective. If you want to keep things more simplified, stick with a straight 1:1 outcome/objective ratio.

Go back and revise your original outline from step 3. You should have: most important frames, most relevant objectives, and most applicable outcomes. Make sure everything aligns before starting to produce content.

Now decide how you will present the information. I try to create slides because these are easiest to share after the instruction session. You can see examples of all types of presentation on our Instruction Dept. LibGuide.

With your format in mind and outline in hand, start to create content. Keep in mind that you want to include examples to emphasize the points you’re making.

If time permits, you can also think about creating a physical handout. This helps students know what the biggest takeaways should be from the presentation but also allows them to have a reminder/contact info.

Make sure to reach out to the Instruction Team if you have any questions in this process. We have a suite of tools that we like (Google Slides, Microsoft Forms, Canva, etc.), but feel free to use anything you’re familiar or comfortable with.

Also, please contact the faculty at any point in this process to clarify questions or concerns.

If you have created slides or an online presentation, please make sure to send a copy to the professor after class.

Don’t forget to fill-out the Instruction Questionnaire so that we have accurate data for the department.