Faculty Resources & Services Guide

Research shows that students improve their learning and retention when library instruction is embedded into their curriculum. With careful planning, the library can influence students to become lifelong learners and aware of the differences in information. Critical thinking in the 21st century is more important than ever as technology advances the speed of information delivery.

We invite you to:

• Meet with an instruction librarian to discuss ways library instruction can be embedded into your curriculum.
• Plan assignments in concert with an instruction librarian who can help you determine which library resources can best fit your students’ needs.
• Schedule times for your classes to meet with a librarian in the library, in your classroom, or online according to the needs of your assignments or projects.
• Assure that your students will be information literate, as defined by the ACRL Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education:   
  • Know when information is needed.
  • Determine what kind of information BEST suits their needs.
  • Evaluate information for validity and accuracy.
  • Incorporate information into one's knowledge base.
  • Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
• Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and access and use information ethically and legally.

We look forward to meeting you, planning with you, and serving FAU students with you!

Ken Frankel
Head, Instruction and Engagement Services Department
Instruction and Engagement Services
lyilis@fau.edu              Phone: (561) 297-3785

Why should I schedule a library instruction session for my class?

Knowing how to access, evaluate, and utilize information efficiently and effectively is an increasingly important skill in today's world. Information literacy instruction is about introducing students to these skills and making sure they are incorporated not only into their class work, but in their lives as well.

What do I need to do to prepare my class for instruction?

• Have a specific assignment. 
• Talk with your students about the importance of research as part of the learning process and stress that the instruction is integrated, not separate, from class content.
• Assign points for information literacy and library-related activities to motivate students.

Does my class have to meet in the library for instruction?

No. We can schedule your session in the library's instruction studio, a computer lab, or your classroom as needed.

Do I need to be present during the instruction?

Instructors are required to attend instructional sessions because their presence and participation helps convey the importance of the session.

For additional information, see the Instruction Policies for Affiliated Users.

Research Guides are the FAU Libraries' online guides to information resources.

See our examples by class and topic: