Library instruction

Library instruction includes instruction on both how to evaluate information resources and how to use library resources such as the library catalog or other bibliographic databases. It prepares individuals to make immediate and lifelong use of information effectively by teaching the concepts and logic of information access, and by fostering information independence and critical thinking.

A related term, information literacy, "is the ability to identify what information is needed, understand how the information is organized, identify the best sources of information for a given need, locate those sources, evaluate the sources critically, and share that information. It is the knowledge of commonly used research techniques."

Some debate exists within the library community about whether instruction on how to use library systems is necessary, or if efforts are better spent making systems easier to use such that they require no instruction.

Some university libraries offer specialized instructional sessions. At these sessions the librarian works one-on-one with a user to assist him or her with specific research goals. These sessions are sometimes referred to as a "term paper clinic" or a "research consultation."

Other high schools, universities, and colleges encourage their faculty members to sign their students up for a "one shot" library instruction session during the semester. These class meetings are often held just before a term paper is assigned, and the goal of the librarian is to orient the class to the best library sources for use in a term paper.

See also:

For a more general discussion, see Information literacy

References

• Bishop, W. W. (1912). Training in the use of books. Sewanee review, 20 (July), pp. 265-81.
• Davis, R. C. (1886). Teaching bibliography in colleges. Library journal, 11 (September), pp. 289-94.
• Hopkins, F. L. (1982). A century of bibliographic instruction: The historic claim to professional and academic legitimacy. College and research libraries, 43 (May), pp. 192-98.
• Lorenzen, M. (2001). Brief history of library instruction in the United States. Illinois libraries, 83(2), pp. 8-18.
• Teifel, V. (1995). Library user education: Examining its past, projecting its future. Library trends, (Fall), 318-38.
• Tucker, J. M. (1980). Articles on library instruction in colleges and universities, 1876-1932. ERIC ED 187 330.

External links

• Library Instruction Wiki
• Library Instruction.Com
• LOEX Clearinghouse for Library Instruction