Library Instruction

Forsyth Library collaborates with educators to teach information literacy, research, and lifelong learning skills that students can transfer to other courses and apply beyond the University. These services are available not only to faculty, staff, and students of Fort Hays State University, but also to schools in the surrounding area.

For a successful library instruction session

• Schedule library instruction sessions at least one week in advance.
• Schedule technology, software, & video production instruction at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Attend the session with your students and engage in the instruction. Librarians do not serve as classroom substitutes when faculty are absent. Faculty must be present for all in-person library instruction sessions.
• Students tend to engage with library instruction content most when it is directly relevant to an assignment they are working on at the time. We suggest that you:
  • Tie sessions to an assignment in your class.
  • Schedule sessions at the point of need.
  • Schedule multiple sessions as needed to follow the progression of your assignments.

To schedule a session, please complete the Instruction Session Request Form

You will be contacted by the instructing librarian to collaborate with you to design an appropriate instructional session. Instruction topics may include:

• Library Tour
  • Students will learn about the different items and services housed in Forsyth Library.

• Search Strategy
  • Students will be able to choose, narrow, and broaden a research topic. They will be able to identify keywords and phrases to use when researching a topic.

• General Research Sources
  • Students will be able to search and locate Forsyth Library items in-person using a call number and online using the online catalog.

• Databases: What they are and where to find them
  • Students will be able to define databases and scholarly articles. They will be able to identify paths to find articles and databases through Forsyth Library.
  • Available as an online module— this is excellent to use in a "flipped" setting before students attend a library instruction session.

• Sources and Websites Evaluation
  • Students will be able to analyze sources for their purpose, credibility, accuracy, authority, and relevance to their research topic.

• Types of Information Sources
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast journals, popular magazines, and other information sources such as blogs, ads, and reference works.

• Interlibrary Loan
  • Students will be able to create an account and log into ILL, request an article, and learn how to access articles received.

• Cite Sources
  • Students will be able to identify when to cite information using APA or MLA. They will be able to create a reference and in-text citation for a source.

• Advanced Strategies
  • Students will be able to search specialized resources for the field or specific research assignment.

• Subject & Course Guides
  • Subject and course guides provide information resources specific to your topic, assignment, or class. Browse the for existing guides or contact your liaison to create a new one.

• Online Instruction and Tutorials
  • Librarians can provide synchronous video lessons or develop asynchronous online components for your class.

• Technology, Software, & Video Production Instruction
  • Students can learn about software and apps such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, iOS and Android apps, and more.  They can also learn about creating and delivering presentations, engaging in audio and video production, and other topics related to technology.
  • Note that technology, software, & video production instruction needs to be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance.

Did you have something else in mind? We would be happy to collaborate with you to meet your students' needs and can customize sessions to your class.

Contact

For more information, ideas, and collaboration between faculty and Forsyth Library, contact:

Robyn Hartman
Information Literacy Librarian
(785) 628-4340
rchartman@fhsu.edu

For quick research help at any time during library hours, call 785-639-6180, or e-mail us at refserv@fhsu.edu.