Library Instruction and Information Literacy  

Auburn University Libraries faculty is is committed to providing faculty, staff and students with the information literacy skills needed for success both inside and outside of the classroom. Library instruction information literacy sessions reflect best practices in effective and engaged teaching, and relate directly to student learning outcomes.

To be information literate, one should be able to:

• Determine the extent of information needed
• Access needed information effectively and efficiently
• Evaluate information and its sources critically
• Incorporate selected 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

There are several ways to schedule library instruction:

Complete the online request form

Contact one of the instruction team members on the right

Contact the subject specialist of your choice

Point of Need

Timing is an important component of effective library instruction. If scheduled too early, students will not retain what they have learned. If scheduled too late, students will not have acquired the skills they need to successfully complete an assignment. A helpful rule of thumb may be to schedule a library session two weeks to 10 days before a specific assignment is due. Instruction sessions should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

Teaching Faculty/Library Faculty Collaboration

Librarians will tailor presentations to individual class needs. It is especially important for students to have an assignment requiring information resource use in order for them to receive the full benefit of attending a library instruction session. Faculty should share syllabus and assignments with the librarian and plan the library session together. Professors are required to attend sessions along with their students.

Library Instruction Labs

Auburn University Library's instruction labs are available only  for classes that require library research or information literacy instruction, taught by library faculty. Given the increasing use of lab space for information literacy instruction, as well as library faculty teaching load, general “open lab” sessions are not possible. For additional information, please contact the library faculty member of record.

Persons with Disabilities: It is possible to temporarily load assistive learning technologies in the Library's instruction labs for students and faculty. Professors are asked to notify the librarian of record two weeks prior to class if accommodations are needed.

School Groups

Auburn University Libraries may conduct instructional sessions for junior high and high school groups dependent upon personnel and lab availability. School group sessions must relate directly to an in-class assignment, and an appropriate number of chaperones must accompany each group. Please contact Nancy Noe for additional information. Requests for sessions must be made at least two weeks in advance. The Libraries does not have the staff or physical facilities to accommodate requests for school tours or story hours.