Library Instruction Sessions: what worked

Over the course of the fall 2008 semester the three SLIS interns taught a total of 53 English 1B classes. Most of the 75 minute sessions were taught solo, but a few were taught with one intern assisting another. In the beginning of the semester the new interns have opportunities to observe and/or assist experienced interns or librarians. One of the most helpful parts of assisting is being able to observe another’s approach to covering the basic concepts of using the library sources and web site and working with group activities. Because I was the ‘new’ intern, I was scheduled to assist during the first few library sessions and found the following observations helpful:

1. Prepare before the session by finding out the research topic from the English instructor. Try some searches in the catalog and databases to determine possible keywords and subject terms. The more communication you can have with the instructor before the session, the better. Depending on the topic, some databases are better to use than others. For example, ProQuest is good for current events. Opposing Viewpoints and CQ Researcher provide pros and cons for controversial subjects. Academic Search Premier covers many subject areas and is often the best place to start.

2. Outline your presentation with an estimated time allotment for each section.

3. Arrive at the classroom twenty to thirty minutes before the scheduled time in order to get the room unlocked, set up the projector and screen, check that the classroom computers are working with the browser open to the homepage (sjlibrary.org). Note that the computers are more stable with the Internet Explorer browser than with Firefox.

4. Write on the board your name and email address; phone numbers of the reference desk (408-808-2100) and Student Computer Services (408-808-2470); and the focus points of the session
· What you need to know about the library
· Group work with a database
· Brief presentations: Show the class how you used your database

5. At the beginning of the class tell the students how long the session will be.

6. Be explicit with goals/objectives for the group presentations.

7. Clap after each group presentation.

8. Summarize the main points about each database at the end of class and remind students that you and reference librarians are available to help them.

9. During the last five minutes of class, students should fill out the Student Evaluation on the English webpage (Library Home => Research => English & Comparative Literature => English 1B Resources).

Every class is different. You can enjoy, as well as, be challenged by the interaction with students.