Faculty Services and Resources

Improve the Quality of Student Research

When students learn information literacy skills the quality of their work improves. Research demonstrates the students earn higher grades on their course work after receiving library instruction (Shao & Purpur 2016; Squibb 2016; Bowles-Terry 2012).

Develop Students’ Critical Thinking Skills

Evaluating the quality of the information they find is a novel and complex concept for the majority of college students. Library instruction can show them how to use critical thinking skills to evaluate their sources (Seeber 2015).

Combat Information Overload

The ubiquity of data and sources in the Information Age can prohibit students from using information effectively. This information overload complicates the information searching process. Library instruction has been shown to aid students in making the best use of their time and finding the information they need (Blummer & Kenton 2014).

Reduce Research Anxiety

Library research is a primary academic fear among traditional and non-traditional college students, and library instruction has been shown to reduce the anxiety (Fleming-May, Mays & Radom 2015; Bell 2011; Cooke 2010).

Eliminate Barriers to Requesting Help

Students who are familiar with the Library and their Librarians are more comfortable asking for help.

Assist Faculty/Students With Technology Needs

Have you ever wanted to try something new but were worried about the technology? The library is available to help you plan, test, and be there to support you and your students during the lesson.

Library instruction can take a variety of forms, depending on a class’ needs. (Make sure to also look at the À La Carte Information Literacy Instruction Menu at the bottom of this box.) Here are some instruction options:

• Assignment-based instruction in your classroom or in the library. Students learn about assignment-specific resources available via the library how to use said tools. (1-2 hours)
• Topic-based instruction (e.g., search strategy development, plagiarism, citation, using interlibrary loan). (15mins- 1 hour)
• Library resources and services introduction in your classroom or in the library. Students learn how to use and access library resources including the library website, books and article databases. (1 hour)
• Research tool specific instruction. A Librarian instructs students the use of a specific resource like RefWorks, SPSS, a specific database, etc. (30 minutes)
• Instructional technology assistance. A librarian will help in the planning, implementation, and/or support of using technology and/or software in your classroom. There is a Technology Help Desk in the Chicago library for student assistance.
• Embedded librarian instruction. A librarian works with a class (in-person or online) throughout the semester and during various stages of the research process.  The librarian’s specific role and activities are determined by both the professor and the librarian. Possible forms of librarian involvement include:
  • Collaborative assignment design (with the instructor)
  • A librarian online presence through Blackboard
  • Multiple instruction sessions (each which builds on earlier classes; instruction can range from 10 minutes to the entire class time)
  • Class visits

***Work with a Librarian to tailor instruction to your classes needs***

Use the Library's computer classroom without scheduling an instruction session:

1. Chicago campus (**): Schedule  AUD 1017 (Instructional Computer Lab) using 25Live. For questions or assistance, contact Barbara Anderson (312-41-3647) banderson17@roosevelt.edu

2. Schaumburg campus (**):  Schedule by contacting Jo Ellen Coney (847-619-7982) jconey@roosevelt.edu.

**Library reservation policies:

• Room-only reservations are not available the week prior to, or the week of Midterms or Finals.
• First priority is given to librarian-led classes and classes using the classroom for library research. If we do have a request for use of the room for these purposes and it has already been reserved for room-only use, we reserve the right to cancel the room-only request. We will give at least one week notice.