LIBRARY INSTRUCTION GUIDELINES

If you are a member of the Merrimack College community (faculty, staff, and students are all welcome!) and wish to arrange for a class, use the Instruction Request Form, email the Public Services Department at merref@noblenet.org or call ext.4210.

An important note to faculty: Librarians help students develop a research strategy, produce and distribute print and online resources guides specifically designed for the class, and provide a hands-on, active learning experience. Research instruction is most effective when students are engaged in a learning partnership between librarians and their instructors. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that faculty collaborate with librarians on class content and attend the library session with their class. Also, instruction is most useful when coordinated with an assignment that requires library research so consider scheduling a class later in the semester rather than the first week of class.

Please provide the Public Services Department with the following information: 1) The day and time you would like the instruction session, 2) where you would like the class to be held, 3) the name of the class and number of students, 4) how much class time we will have and an idea of what you would like us to cover 4) a copy of your syllabus and/or assignment. This may include but is not limited to:

  • A library orientation tour. We will cover the service desks and reference and circulating collections; if you would like to concentrate on a particular area just ask us and we will arrange it.
  • Introductory library instruction. This session introduces students to the basics of library research. Includes hands-on exercises.
  • Instruction and demonstrations on electronic resources such as the library online catalog, online periodical databases such as EbscoHost, InfoTrac, or Lexis-Nexis Academic, and the internet.
  • Or you may choose a combination of the above focused on the specific research needs of you and your students. We can also tailor the class to a specific assignment your students will be working on.
We do ask that you allow at least one week for us to prepare for your class. Classes are necessarily subject to the availability of library personnel.

Please let us know your information needs and how we might assist you in introducing your students to the research process. We want to ensure that your students have a positive library experience. Thank you for helping us to promote information literacy and library skills!

LIBRARY INSTRUCTION REQUEST FORM

Today's Date:

Instruction Requested By: Email:

Department: Work Phone: Home Phone:

Course number: Class Size: Date and Time Requested:

Who Will Be Attending This Class?

Students Faculty Staff

Where Would You Like the Class to Be Held?

Alden Electronic Classroom (McQuade 3rd floor)

Your Classroom

Library Reference Room (classes of 10 or fewer ONLY)

Other Campus Computer Lab

Instruction Requested (Check all that apply):
Library Orientation Tour

Library Instruction (Overview of library resources with practice)

Instruction for a Specific Course Assignment (Send Copy to Librarian and Provide Details Below)

Subject-Specific Resource Training Database Name or Subject:

Subscription Databases: EBSCOhost Infotrac Other:

Internet Resources Subject:

Evaluating Web Resources

How to Cite Sources

Please Describe the Type of Library Research You Are Requiring of Students. What Do You Want Them to Learn from This Session?



Are There Any Other Subjects, Information Sources, or Research Techniques You Would Like to Have Emphasized?