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Library Instruction

Information Literacy

Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) defines information literacy as “the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.”

Information literacy is one of the nine program learning outcomes of the revised Core Curriculum at Biola:

Students will ethically discover, evaluate, and use information to formulate and address research questions, explain how information is produced and valued in a given discipline, and share their results.

The Library partners with instructional faculty to promote information literacy and teach techniques that will enable students to develop a systematic method of research that can be applied to any discipline or assignment. The primary goal of the Library Instruction Program is to teach information literacy concepts that develop lifelong learning skills that can be utilized beyond the university experience. Librarians are available for in person and online instruction.

Library faculty support student learning by:

  • Assessing course assignments and suggesting strategies that promote the development of information literacy skills
  • Providing instruction that develops information literacy core competencies
  • Creating online research guides tailored to specific disciplines or research needs

Instructional faculty support student learning by:

  • Creating assignments that introduce and develop information literacy concepts and skills
  • Actively participating in library instruction sessions and reinforcing the importance of information literacy skills

Library Instruction Sessions

Fill out the Library Instruction Request Form below, and a librarian will be in touch with you to discuss your request.

Tips for a Successful Instruction Session

  • The library schedules many instruction sessions throughout the semester, so please confirm your session date with a librarian before you add library instruction to your syllabus.
  • An instruction session must coincide with a particular assignment. Upload a copy of the assignment when you fill out the form, so that the librarian can customize the instruction.
  • To ensure the content is relevant, schedule the instruction during a week in which your students are likely to use the information to complete the assignment.
  • Demonstrate the importance of the instruction by being present during the session and supporting the objectives through comments and questions.

Library Instruction Request Form

For additional information, contact Juliana Morley, Head of Public Services.

Library Instruction Evaluations

If you've recently received library instruction, please complete our Library Instruction Survey. We value your feedback!

Library Instruction Student Survey

Library Instruction Faculty Survey