Students at CCSU often get their introduction to the Elihu Burritt
Library in a "trial by fire" when they encounter an assignment that
requires using the library. A preferable method is for instructors to
arrange some type of library instruction. Library instruction may take
many forms depending upon students' needs and professors' objectives. A
common approach is a general overview of library resources with a
special focus on materials for a specific course. Another alternative
is a session concentrating on electronic databases using students' topic
proposals as search examples. Instructional form and content is limited
only by the amount of time the class can spend at the library and the
creativity of the librarian in consultation with the faculty member.
Many faculty members have found that two class periods produce optimal
results.
Positive Track Record
From July 1993 to June 1994 librarians held 145 classes and instructed
2,600 students. This total increased in 1994-95 by 10%. Instructors
were polled for their comments and students' reactions to the library
sessions; responses were significantly positive. Many students felt
that the one to two hours they spent being introduced to library
resources helped them with course work.
Nick Tomaiuolo, who coordinates and teaches many of the library classes
including
Library Resources and Skills (see below), states, "There are so many
library resources in so many formats that students may easily become
confused unless we can put the resources into perspective for them.
Even some faculty members are surprised when they see the resources we
can offer. We can show students everything from the Hartford Courant
and the New York Times on CD-ROM to lesson plans in industrial arts on
the Internet." In 1994-95, requests came from professors throughout a
wide range of subject areas. Psychology, Geography, History,
Technology, Education, English, Accounting, Marketing, Nursing, Reading,
Art, and Communication were all accommodated. To schedule library
instruction, telephone Mr. Tomaiuolo at x22068 or contact him through
e-mail at tomaiuolon.
Elective Credit Course Offered
A one credit elective course called "Library Resources and Skills"
(Interdisciplinary 150) was offered during Wintersession 1995 with
positive evaluations by all registrants. Instruction covered the most
important topics to facilitate navigating for information such as
Library of Congress Classification, extent and coverage of online and
CD-ROM databases, function and use of CONSULS, subject thesauri,
developing search strategies, and the use of specific reference sources.
The class culminated with a final project called a "Pathfinder" on a
topic of the student's choosing and a final exam. Each class was
accompanied by out-of-class exercises that augmented the topic of the
day. Another library skills elective is planned for Wintersession
1996.
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Professors: Library Instruction for Your Classes 