Auraria Library Instruction Program

The following library instruction options are currently available. For additional information or to schedule a class please call Mary Ulibarri at 303-556-3683. A limited number of sessions are available on a first come, first served basis only.

Lower-Division Classes Requiring a Research Paper or Speech

A basic, 50-minute "Introduction to the Library."

Topics covered:

• General information about the Library
• Auraria Library
• Basic instruction on Skyline - our online catalog
• Brief introduction to electronic databases, highlighting Expanded Academic Index, and other selected titles.

Campus faculty should request instruction at least one week (2 weeks preferred) prior to the desired date, attend the session with the students, and consult with the library instructor on possible pre- and/or post-library exercises.

Individual Walking Library Tours.

Subject Guides - research help on a particular subject. Subject Guides are available to photocopy from the Internet. Guides are available to assist users with both general and specialized research. Most of these guides address specific disciplines, providing both search tips and extensive bibliographical references, including Internet resources.

Finding a Topic Idea for a Paper or Speech.

Upper-Division and Graduate Library Instruction

Specialized library instruction to support subject-specific classes is available upon request from the Library Instruction faculty, on a first come, first served basis.

Design of Library Instructional Exercises

Due to the damage done to library materials as a result of certain kinds of library assignments, library instruction faculty will provide examples and guidelines in the design of library-friendly, educational exercises.

Auraria Faculty Instruction

The Auraria Library provides instruction to campus faculty on new library resources, electronic databases, subject-related materials, etc. We prefer groups; however, individualized instruction is also available.

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Walking tour of the Auraria Library

A good place to start for students who are new to the library or perplexed by its organization, the walking tour introduces major services and collections and lets students know where help is available.

A copy of the walking tour is also available at the Reference Desk on the first floor.

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Auraria Library Teaching Philosophy and Program Goals

The primary goal of Auraria Library's instruction program is to provide an understanding of the research process as well as assist students in developing research skills that enable success in the both the student's academic career and lifelong research needs. As the skills of research are acquired, students will be challenged to evaluate the results of their research and self assess their approach to research.

Instruction at Auraria Library is a collaborative effort between library instructors and departmental teaching faculty. The Library's instructional program has a flexible structure so that it can best serve the needs of the diverse academic community at Auraria. Library classes are of two levels: those that provide instruction in general research skills and the use of the library, and subject level research classes that explore the resources unique to specific discipline areas. Faculty may request either instructional level for their classes, depending on the type of class and skills of their students. Library instructors will also customize these classes further to meet the needs of students with their research projects.

Due to the volume of information and the complex and evolving tools used to access that information, it is important that students receive general library instruction on the research process and use skills early in their academic career. Introductory classes and those in the core curriculum are ideal for providing a first level introduction to the research process. As students pursue their major area of study they will have a proficient level of research literacy on which to build. This will be provided by the second, subject level of Library classes related to a research problem. In these classes, library instructors will focus on the scholarly culture of a discipline and the specialized databases and resources needed for research.

A primary tool in the instructional lab may involve exercises that promote both inquiry and critical analysis of the many databases and information sources available. These exercises will compliment assignments and projects students receive from the course instructor. This method helps insure an immediate application of the material learned in the library research class and provides a higher level of relevancy for the student.

Program assessment may be coordinated with academic departments so that research literacy can be integrated into academic program assessment, where applicable. The Library will also assess it's program effectiveness internally, through surveys, student self-assessment, and feedback from the course instructors.

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