Library Instruction

Mission

The mission of the Grafton Library instruction program is to advance the information literacy of the Mary Baldwin College community through dynamic, transformative, instructional services.

The reference librarians offer:

• Customized Library Instruction
• INT103 - Information Literacy
• Workshops
• Individual Instruction Appointments

For more information on any of these services please contact Alie Peppers (e-mail or x7316).

Customized Library Instruction

A library session can comprise of basic orientation to the library, advanced research for juniors and seniors, or specific resources suited to any course assignment. Reference librarians also offer instruction at the ADP and MAT sites around Virginia.

Faculty, e-mail the Instruction Session Request Form to Alie Peppers (e-mail) to schedule your class for library instruction. Please schedule at least 48 hours in advance.

INT 103

Information Literacy, INT 103, is a one term course taught by reference librarians each semester.  Students in this course will begin to develop the research and critical thinking skills necessary for information literacy and lifelong learning.

Information literacy is a set of competencies requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information. The skills learned are common to all disciplines, to all learning environments and to all levels of education.

Topics covered in the course include:

• Evaluating sources
• Focusing a research question
• Primary and secondary sources
• Database basics
• Advanced searching techniques
• Web searching and evaluation
• Library catalogs
• Citing and plagiarism
• Ethical and legal issues surrounding use of information

A past syllabus, including a bibliography of readings may be viewed here.

Sample exercises used in class:

Web Evaluation Checklist

Introduction to Databases

Using WorldCat

Midterm Database Project

Course Final Instructions

Workshops

The reference librarians offer a variety of workshops on specific topics. Worshops in the past have included:

• Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint
• Advanced Web Searching and Evaluation
• Basic Searching for Articles
• Training on New Features of our Electronic Resources
• Research Paper Writing Clinics, 11th Hour Paper Power

If you would like to recommend a workshop or schedule a customized workshop for a class or group, please contact Alie Peppers (e-mail).

Individual Instruction Appointments

The reference librarians will gladly schedule individual in-depth appointments for members of the Mary Baldwin Community. Please contact a librarian to schedule your instruction visit.

Instruction Facilities

The computer-equipped classroom on the Mezzanine floor of the library, Grafton 302, is designed for hands-on instruction in how to use the library and other electronic resources.