Why should I schedule a library session for my class?

While many of your students may have encountered general library resources in Univ 100 or English 102, they usually have only a basic grasp of research. We see numerous students at the reference desk who are completely lost when asked to use a database other than InfoTrac, to evaluate the sources they find, or to explore more sophisticated topics. If you have had unsatisfactory experiences with students’ papers in the past, or want them to learn specialized resources for your field, please consider arranging a session. We’d much rather teach your class as a group than try to teach each student individually at the reference desk (often the night before the project is due!).

How do I schedule a library session?

The best method is to use the online form. We ask that you request a session at least one week in advance; you will receive a confirmation usually within 24 hours of its receipt.

You can also contact any of the instruction librarians directly:

• Blair Brainard (540-831-5688) or bbrainar@radford.edu
  
• Candice Benjes-Small (540-831-6801) or cbsmall@radford.edu
  
• Lisa Vassady (540-831-5686) or ljvassady@radford.edu
• Eric Ackermann (540- 831-5488) or egackerma@radford.edu
• Kevin Tapp (540-831-7652) or ktapp@radford.edu
• Gene Hyde (540-831-5692) or wehyde@radford.edu
  

How long does the library session last?

It depends on what you would like taught! Our Instruction a la Carte Menu provides a list of our most popular topics.

We offer two kinds of instruction: drop-ins and workshops.

Drop-ins are short visits by a librarian to your classroom. Topics that do not require the use of computers, such as plagiarism discussions, citation format (APA, MLA, Chicago), and identifying types of literature (scholarly, research, etc.) can easily done in your classroom and take as little as 15 minutes each(depending on the topic, of course!).

Workshops are hands-on sessions held in our library classrooms. Although any topic on our menu can be taught in a workshop, topics that require computer use, such as database searching and Website evaluation, must be done in a workshop setting. Our active learning approach leads to students learning and remembering more, but it also takes longer to conduct. We usually ask for a full class period (usually 50 minutes or 1 hour 15 minutes). To ascertain how many topics can be covered in a class period, please see our “Instruction a la Carte Menu”.

How many students can the library classrooms hold?

We have two computer classrooms. Classroom A has 20 student computers and can hold up to 40 students. Classroom B has 25 student computers and can hold up to 50 students. In a pinch, we can split a large class between the rooms.

I teach in the evening or on the weekend; can I still request a library session?

Definitely! We teach whenever you teach.

I teach off-site; can I still request a library session?

Of course! When possible, the instruction librarians are happy to “take the show on the road” and come to Abingdon, Roanoke, or elsewhere to review the library’s services for distance education students. Contact Lisa Vassady, Reference/Instruction and Distance Education Librarian, 540-831-5686, ljvassady@radford.edu to discuss the possibilities.

How can I help to make the library session effective?

Before the session, discuss the applicable paper or project with the class. Explain to the students why they are coming to the library.

We strongly encourage faculty to attend the library session with their students. When you are present, students are more attentive and engaged. They will have questions about how the library session applies to their assignments, and you are the best one to answer them. You can also emphasize certain points discussed in the session, or ask the librarian to address additional topics. We realize sometimes your absence is unavoidable; if this is the case, please discuss it with the librarian teaching your session so s/he can plan accordingly.

What other instructional activities does the library provide?

Throughout the school year, we offer drop-in workshops for students called Library Survivors. These 50-minute sessions focus on topics such as basic library skills, understanding citations, and plagiarism. Faculty can encourage student attendance by awarding extra-credit to participants. Questions about these programs can be sent to Candice Benjes-Small, Reference/Instruction Librarian, 540-831-6801, cbsmall@radford.edu.

Also, faculty, staff, and students can set up one-on-one consultations in the use of McConnell Library’s print and electronic resources by contacting a Reference/Instruction Librarian, or by sending an e-mail to refdesk@radford.edu.

Can I bring my high school/community college class to McConnell for a library session?

If students from outside of Radford University have an assignment which requires use of the university library and its resources, we will schedule an instruction session when possible. As a general rule, we do not provide sessions or orientations unless the students have such an assignment. At least one teacher must accompany the group, and all teachers are expected to be familiar with the assignment so as to assist the students. Such sessions may not be scheduled during the first six weeks of the fall or spring semester. Any groups that will need parking should consider a late afternoon or evening session due to difficulties finding parking on campus. Contact Candice Benjes-Small, Instruction Team Leader, 540-831-6801, cbsmall@radford.edu for more information.

Can I use the library classrooms for my class?

When not being used for library instruction, the classrooms are available for other uses. The classrooms may not be reserved as the regular meeting place for a course, but professors may reserve a room on an occasional basis for computer-related instructional purposes. Please see the “Scheduling the Library Classroom” policy for details.