WCSU Libraries    For Faculty    Library Instruction

Introduction to Instructional Services

WCSU faculty are encouraged to incorporate library instruction into courses for which library research is required. Most students complete their research assignments more successfully after receiving instruction from a professionally-trained librarian on the use of library resources and research techniques. Studies have shown that library instruction is more effective when scheduled at or near the time when it is most needed by the student, and when instruction is closely integrated with course content. For this reason, instruction librarians at WCSU normally ask teaching faculty for a description of the research assignment in advance of the proposed date of instruction.

Library instruction sessions may include demonstrations of electronic search tools such as the CONSULS catalog, online databases and reference sources, and other electronic resources accessible via the Internet, as well as traditional print resources (reference books, print indexes, etc.). Walking tours may be arranged for students who are unfamiliar with the layout and resources available in the Ruth Haas Library or the Young Business Library.

Library instruction sessions are normally taught by the liaison librarian to the department in a room at the library, although other facilities are sometimes used. The Young Business Library has an instructional area on the premises. In the Ruth Haas Library, the Instruction Classroom, located on the fourth floor in Room 411, can accommodate up to 45 students. It is equipped with a demo PC and a ceiling-mounted projector. The Instruction Lab, located on the fourth floor in Room 413, is equipped with laptops for 27 students, a demo PC, and a ceiling-mounted projector.

The librarians at the Haas Library have priority in scheduling Rooms 411 and 413 up to mid-semester. Members of the teaching faculty and University staff may schedule the two rooms no more than one week in advance before mid-semester. After mid-semester, scheduling is on a first-come-first-served basis with no limit on time in advance of the session. Teaching faculty who wish to schedule Room 411 or 413 should contact Joan Reitz , Haas Instruction Librarian, at (203) 837-8308 or reitzj@wcsu.edu.

When scheduling a new instruction session with your liaison librarian, please allow two weeks advance notice for preparation and duplication of handouts. The instruction librarian will need to know the proposed date and time, the course number, how many students are enrolled in the course, and any special needs. If you do not know the name of your departmental liaison librarian, please contact Joan Reitz, Haas Instruction Librarian, at (203) 837-8308 or Mary Kay Loomis (Young Business Library) at (203) 837-9138.

Library Research Methods Course (COM 100)

During each Spring Semester, the WCSU Libraries offer a one-credit elective course covering basic library research methods. The course is listed in the course schedule as COM 100 . It usually meets in the afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays during weeks 2-6, only in the Spring Semester. It is offered on a Pass/Fail basis and is open to students at all levels. The course will focus on search strategy and the use of electronic search tools, such as the CONSULS online catalog, electronic databases and indexes, and resources on the World Wide Web.

The course syllabus is available under the course number and name of instructor (Joan Reitz) in the ERes Electronic Reserves system. For more information about the COM 100 course, please contact Joan Reitz , Instruction Librarian, at (203) 837-8308 or via email at reitzj@wcsu.edu.