Library Instruction	University of West Florida Libraries

Library Instruction

The UWF Libraries offers library instruction to assist library users with navigating its resources and to support the information needs of the campus and community.  Instruction is available for students, staff, faculty, and the general public so they can learn how to access library and other information resources.  Whether information is needed for a class assignment, research, or personal use, UWF Libraries wants to assist in making library materials and resources available.

Library instruction is available by appointment for classroom and individual sessions, and is offered on a walk-in basis during scheduled Basic Library Orientation sessions. The following types of instruction are available: Basic Library Orientation, Subject Area Orientation and Individual Research Consultation.

In addition to person-to-person library instruction, the UWF Libraries offers online instruction with Online Tutorials available through the library homepage.

The UWF Libraries supports campus-wide information literacy initiatives through instruction and other projects.  For more information on the Libraries' information literacy programs, visit the Information Literacy web page.

Types of Library Instruction

Basic Library Orientation: A 50-minute lecture and demonstration designed to familiarize library users with the UWF Libraries' collections, services and policies. Each session provides an introduction to the UWF Library Catalog and an overview of locating research materials available through the UWF Libraries. Computers are available in the classroom for hands-on training.  See the  Basic Library Orientation page for an outline of the content, a list of the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and the Orientation schedule.

Basic Library Orientation is held in the Library Classroom (Room123A) of the John C. Pace Library.  The Emerald Coast Campus Library also offers Basic Library Orientation.  It is open to all UWF students, staff, and faculty as well as the general public.  Sessions are free of charge; registration is not required.

Basic Library Orientation is also available online! Students can take an interactive Flash version or Text-Only version.

Subject Area Orientation:  An introduction to library resources specific to a subject area, assignment, or research topic and a discussion of search strategies.  Sessions may include a discussion of issues in using information such as plagiarism, ethics, access to online information and evaluating resources.  Subject Area Orientations are taught according to the needs of the class by reference librarians who serve as subject area specialists.  These sessions are generally conducted during a regularly scheduled class period.

Faculty can schedule a Subject Area Orientation for their class by contacting the subject specialist for their department; Kristy Padron, Library Instruction Coordinator, at (850) 474-2048; or the Reference Desk at (850) 474-2424. Requests for classes should be made at least two weeks in advance.

Individual Research Consultation:  UWF students, faculty, and staff desiring individual research assistance can schedule an appointment with one of the librarians by contacting the appropriate subject specialist or by calling the Reference Desk at (850) 474-2424. These 30- to 40-minute consultations focus on identifying library resources and using search strategies.

Online Tutorials

The UWF Libraries offers online library instruction through Online Tutorials. Online Tutorials offer lessons and activities related to conducting research and using information ethically.  Each tutorial falls under one of three modules:  General Research & Writing Skills, Using Library Resources and Legal & Ethical Use of Information. Visit the Online Tutorials page to see the lessons offered.

Online Tutorials may be used independently or in a series, by individual students wishing to enhance their skills, or by professors in conjunction with a course or assignment. Each tutorial contains an interactive activity and grading mechanism, so faculty and instructors are encouraged to link to these from their course web pages, through D2L, or to assign them to their students for credit.

Subject Specialist Librarians

Schedule a Session

To schedule a library instruction sesson, contact Kristy Padron, Library Instruction Coordinator; Reference Desk at (850) 474-2424; or any subject specialist librarian.

By Kristy Padron, Library Instruction Coordinator
University of West Florida Libraries
Date Updated: December 2006