"Adding a library instruction unit to an established course"

Abstract

The article describes the creation of a two-day library instruction unit which became a required part of a freshman orientation seminar at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The unit began with the creation of new library assignments designed for use in the classes with or without library instruction. It expanded when the librarians offered to teach two class sessions in the library and their offer was accepted. Short lectures, tours, and assignments were used to introduce new students to the library. The needs of many of our freshmen dictated that we keep these orientation sessions basic: introducing library contents and services and teaching basic skills such as using the card catalog, reading call numbers, making use of periodical indexes, and finding periodicals. The library instruction unit was revised extensively after the first semester. Time constraints prevented the use of a formal evaluation instrument, but several problems and solutions were identified through structured brainstorming sessions with all the teaching librarians. These solutions and other lessons from teaching a required portion of a course are included.