Types of Instruction

Synchronous and Asynchronous Library Instruction Options

Polk Library offers a variety of options for integrating content on information literacy, research skills, and library resources and services into instructor’s courses.

 

Synchronous Library Instruction Sessions

Polk Library offers library sessions both as webinars and in person sessions conducted in the library or the instructor’s classroom.

 

Basic Instruction

Basic instruction provides students with general information on conducting research using UW Oshkosh Libraries resources and can be customized to each class’s specific needs. Classes generally run 60-90 minutes in length and can include the following: 

  • General library information including library services, relevant library resources and collections, and options for help performing research.
  • Information Literacy concept including the peer review process, evaluating scholarly and popular publications, understanding the information cycle, understanding types of sources (primary versus secondary versus tertiary)
  • Basic search techniques
  • Search@UW and major electronic databases

 

Basic instruction is most effective when coupled with some type of research paper or library assignment. Writing 188 and Communication 111 instructors are strongly encouraged to schedule their classes for this type of instruction.

 

Specialized and Advanced Instruction

The majority of library instructions are sessions focusing on a particular subject, class assignment, field of study, or unique library collection. These classes may include:

  • Performing a literature review
  • Searching specialized databases (PsyInfo, ERIC, Medline/Pubmed or Web of Science)
  • Working with the Educational Materials Collection (EMC) or Area Research Center (ARC) & University Archives
  • Using APA, MLA or Chicago citation styles
  • Government information

 

Asynchronous Support

Canvas Modules

The Information Literacy Toolkit

The Information Literacy Toolkit includes of six Canvas modules. The Library Orientation Module introduces students to the library website and accessing library materials online, while the five student-centered Information Literacy Modules break down the research process. These editable and adaptable modules can be used both as stand-alone assignments to bolster information skills or incorporated into library instruction sessions. Click here to for more information or to request the Toolkit for your course.

 

Polk Library Photo Hunt: A Library Tour that’s not a Tour.

The Polk Photo Hunt is a small group library activity, created to introduce new students to collections, services, and locations within Polk. Designed to be used through your students smartphone's Canvas App or web browser, the activity leads students through Polk Library, completing a series of nine photo related tasks. This activity is available as both a single path out of class assignment or a multiple path instructor or peer mentor led in class exercise. Click here for more information or to request the Photo Hunt for your course.

 

Library Course Pages

Consisting of library and other academic resources curated specifically for your class, Library Course pages are assessable in your Canvas course under the UWO Libraries tab. These pages can include links to library databases or other online resources, books, journals, government information, and citation style help. All Canvas courses with a UWO Libraries tab include a Library Course Page. Non-curated pages provide "general" resources picked automatically based off the course title and subject. Library Course pages can be requested by clicking the Request Enhanced Library Resources button under the course’s UWO Libraries tab. Click for more information on Requesting Library Course Pages

 

Custom Tutorials and Canvas Course “Embedded” Librarians

In addition to webinars, UW Oshkosh Libraries’ online learning librarians provide asynchronous library support for online courses. For more information on library services available for online courses see the UWO Libraries’ Online Learning page

 

Embedded Librarians

Online Learning Librarians can be added to Canvas courses under the role Course Librarian-Research. As a Course Librarian, they can supply several types of support to students including creating and/or monitoring discussion boards; posting tips and resources as content items; creating links to library content, or streaming videos; and creating quizzes and assignment to assess library skills.

 

Custom Tutorials

Assignment-specific videos and text tutorials can be created to aid students in finding and using library resources.

Basic Instruction

If you ask your students to complete a research project or paper, the librarians can provide anything from a 10 minute overview of resources in your subject area to a full 60+ minute research intensive seminar. These sessions teach information literacy skills such as identifying scholarly sources or formulating an effective search. Contact a librarian to determine the best option to meet your needs.

We can also provide an online guide for your students, even if there is no time to fit in any library instruction directly through Canvas.

Basic Instruction

If you ask your students to complete a research project or paper, the librarians can provide anything from a 10 minute overview of resources in your subject area to a full 60+ minute research intensive seminar. These sessions teach information literacy skills such as identifying scholarly sources or formulating an effective search. Contact a librarian to determine the best option to meet your needs.

We can also provide an online guide for your students, even if there is no time to fit in any library instruction directly through Canvas.