Library Instruction Guidelines
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UCLA Library provides instruction that guides students through all stages of the research process. We collaborate with instructors, in advance, to meaningfully incorporate library instruction into courses by scaffolding their syllabi and assignments.
The following guidelines have been developed to create an effective learning experience for students; please review them as you make your instruction request. Contact RequestInstruction@library.ucla.edu with any questions.
Provide a Minimum of Two Weeks' Notice When Scheduling Instruction
Appropriate notice allows the course instructor and library instructor to work as partners to develop a high-quality learning experience for your students, including the creation of instructional materials. Submit your request as early as possible to ensure availability and to allow a library instructor to begin planning for your class.
Library Instruction Will Correspond with an Assignment and/or Learning Outcome(s)
Library instruction sessions are most effective when tied to a research assignment and focused on key learning outcomes. View our guide on writing library learning outcomes if you need assistance or ideas. Assignments should be introduced before the session in order to give students an opportunity for reflection and time to consider possible approaches and questions. Library instructors are available to assist with the development of research-based assignments.
Class time allotted for library instruction should correspond with the number and complexity of desired learning outcomes. Please collaborate with your library instructor on a length of time appropriate for your class and assignment(s).
Schedule Library Instruction After the First Two Weeks of the Term
Experience shows that instruction sessions are more effective when students have a shared understanding of the topic area and subject knowledge of the course. Research demonstrates that adult learners are problem-centered and prefer experiential learning that is immediately relevant. We are available to work with you to determine when a library instruction session or sessions would be most appropriate within the structure of your course.
For general Library instruction during the first two weeks in the term, please consider using an online instructional resource, including our Writing Instruction and Research Education (WI+RE) asynchronous workshops. WI+RE resources can be embedded into your course CCLE site. For assistance adding WI+RE workshops to CCLE, please contact RequestInstruction@library.ucla.edu. If library instructors are unavailable, you may also direct students to research guides, research workshops/tutorials, or research services.
Course Instructor Will Be Present for the Duration of the Session
Students are more engaged when the course instructor participates in the session. Library instruction sessions are collaborative and by being present, you are able to answer student questions about how the research skills they are learning connect to their assignment. The presence of the regular course instructor also creates continuity and stability for the students.
Share Course Materials with the Library Instructor
Course instructors should share course materials, including assignment guidelines and syllabi. Please provide these materials when submitting your library instruction request.
It is helpful to provide the library instructor with editing permissions in your class’s CCLE site. Embedding a library instructor in your learning management system allows for better collaboration and communication between the library instructor and the class. The library instructor may also be able to provide pre- or post-work or additional resources for students via CCLE.
Planning to Send Students to the Library?
Please notify your library instructor or RequestInstruction@library.ucla.edu of any upcoming assignments which require students to seek out library assistance or other research assistance. With notification, the library can support student success and collaborate on creating assignments that embed information literacy outcomes and promote library engagement.
All instructional requests will be considered. However, instructors should adhere to these guidelines when possible.
Categories of Instruction
UCLA Library provides research skills instruction in a variety of different ways. Below are brief explanations of a few types of support we offer, which you might think about when designing your course or requesting library support.
Assignment-based/curriculum-integrated
Assignment-based or curriculum-integrated instruction adapts to your course and the needs of your course design. To this end, the library instructor will create tailored materials and lesson plans. This instruction can be delivered in a single session or across multiple engagements with the class throughout that course that scaffold information literacy and research skills instruction.
Collections-based
Collections-based instruction centers around specific materials in our collection that connect to the subject matter or learning goals of a course. This could be with materials from our general collection, from a community collection (such as our Zine Collection), or from mediated collections (such as Special Collections or the Arts Cage). These collections can be incorporated into collections-based and assignment-based instruction.
Embedded librarianship
Embedded librarianship refers to a specific service model of library instruction where the library instructor is integrated throughout a course to provide support throughout the research process. This allows the library instructor to observe and experience the class (by being physically or virtually located in the classroom) with the students and course instructors and to more precisely identify points of need. It also helps to familiarize students with the library instructor to make them more comfortable asking for help or reaching out for assistance.
Train-the-Trainer Session or Series
“Train-the-trainer” refers to instruction prepared and led by an expert on a topic to teach others how to provide similar instruction. Learners develop library instruction methods and information literacy skills that they can use to support basic student research. Course instructors often report finding the skills they learn from train-the-trainer sessions useful in their own research as well. A library instructor can provide a point of contact and/or referral for more in-depth student research questions.
Online Tutorials
UCLA Library has created a variety of online tutorials that can be embedded in or linked to from the CCLE site for your course. These can be added as a grade, as standalone instruction, and/or as pre- or post-work for a library instruction session. Examples include a virtual tour of Powell Library and various workshops, tutorials, and handouts from the Writing Instruction and Research Education team.
Tours & Orientations
UCLA Library is able to offer guided tours of individual libraries to specific classes as part of an instruction session. Library staff can also present as part of orientations, such as those for new or prospective students. We are similarly happy to be contacted to participate as partners in other special events.
