Instructional Services Program: Notes For Faculty
FAQ New-Student Orientation (BCC099/100) |
We all have important roles to play in ensuring that we and our students are informed about technologies that are transforming the way we access and utilize information. An appreciation of what technology can and cannot do will be one of the best gifts you can give your students during their stay at Berry.
Reference librarians at Berry are happy to provide instruction for you and for your students in the use of traditional print resources, electronic resources, and the Internet. Our instructional services program has several components. Please review these notes to select options best suited for your needs.
New Student Orientation (BCC 099/100)
New student library orientations offer...
- a 50-minute session designed to introduce new freshmen and transfers to the library, plus a required, out-of-class, activity-based assignment
- a brief walking tour of the physical facility and discussion of basic library policies
- brief demonstrations of the on-line catalog and general database searching
- a brief review of GALILEO and its role in resource offerings at Berry College
- a brief introduction to identifying and locating library periodical holdings
- a way to reduce students' fears and anxiety about library research and encourage interaction with librarians
New student library orientations are not...
- magic solutions providing your students with all they need to know about research
- in-depth introductions to specialized resources for a particular field of study
- an opportunity for information retrieval skills mastery
What arrangements are necessary on my part?
None! This one's automatic and requires no action since all incoming students are automatically registered for it.
Course-Related Instruction
What is it?
The most effective opportunity we have to work with you and your students together to ensure that Berry students will leave as information literate graduates who are capable of finding, analyzing, and using information effectively in their personal and professional lives.
What does a session include?
Anything you would like! Typically, sessions consist of a brief discussion of print and on-line resources for a given area, computer-projected demonstrations of on-line resources, and supervised hands-on practice time when time and facilities permit. Focus sessions that provide comprehensive training and instruction for a single information resource are also an option.
When is the best time for course-related instruction?
Timing is critical. Although the beginning of a semester sounds good in theory, it does not work in practice since students are not yet acclimated to you or your course environment and are unable to focus on important specifics at this point. Students are more receptive to a serious presentation on information resources if it is scheduled to coincide with their time of need, i.e., the point in the semester at which they actually begin work on the assignment requiring research.
What are the advantages of bringing my class to the library for course-related instruction?
- Course-related instruction improves a student's ability to locate, retrieve, and evaluate a variety of information resources, thus reducing frustration and improving the quality of research.
- Course-related instruction encourages productive interaction among classroom faculty, librarians, and students. Collection strengths and weaknesses are more easily detected and addressed in the context of actual course assignments.
- Course-related instruction allows one librarian who is familiar with your assignment to present essential information that will be needed by all students doing a particular kind of research.
- Course-related instruction helps students better understand the importance of asking for assistance, as well as formulate better questions.
How do I schedule an instructional session?
- Fill out a library instruction request form, available from the library or in your department, or:
- Use the electronic Schedule Library Instruction Form, or:
- Call Jeremy Worsham at extension 6707.
- Requests are honored on a first-come, first-serve basis, and should be made at least three weeks prior to the presentation to give librarians enough time to develop appropriate instructional materials.
Is it essential that I be present for course-related instruction?
Yes. The library does not schedule instructional sessions unless the classroom faculty member can attend. Your students will be better motivated and receive more complete advice concerning course expectations and information resources if you are present.
Where is the instruction conducted?
Unless other arrangements are more appropriate for your class, all instruction sessions are held in the library classroom, which is equipped with computer-projection equipment and a network connection. Hands-on activities are currently conducted on the public access machines in the Microforms Room, with two to three students per workstation, depending on class size.
Faculty Workshops on Information Resources
What are they?
A good way to learn about new information resources in your field, as well as a great opportunity for you and your colleagues to discuss your information needs with library staff members in a group setting. We address a variety of important technology topics each semester. Preregistration is required.
How do I know what is being offered and when?
Watch your E-mail as well as your campus mail for announcements of library-sponsored faculty workshops. Meeting place, time, and registration information are always included. In addition, information about Workshops for Faculty/Staff is available on-line.
What is the format for these workshops?
Workshops typically consist of computer-projected demonstrations of pertinent databases or information services, followed by a question-and-answer session. Supervised practice time is sometimes incorporated.
Length of the workshops varies from the 45-minute "Breakfast Bytes" (interdisciplinary) series held from 7:00-7:45 a.m. on selected Friday mornings, to half-day workshops scheduled for a particular department or school prior to the beginning of an academic semester.
Faculty Consultations
What are they?
An opportunity for one-on-one in-depth training and instruction from a reference librarian, either in the library or at your office workstation.
What will be covered?
Whatever is requested by you as the faculty member. Sessions may focus on a specific database or information service being used by your students, or on information-retrieval tools required for your research but not used in your classroom. Content review of faculty workshops that you were unable to attend due to conflicts is also an option.
How do I arrange for a consultation in my office?
Simply call Jeremy Worsham (x 6707) or Martha Reynolds (x1705) to schedule an appointment.
Community Services
What are some examples of community service?
In addition to providing instruction for Berry faculty, staff, and students, public services staff members also honor a limited number of requests for instruction from outside groups. Examples include orientations and tours for area high school AP juniors and seniors, alumni presentations, and Chamber of Commerce business presentations.
For additional information on any aspect of Memorial Library's instructional services program, contact:
Jeremy Worsham |
Martha Reynolds |