|
Course-Related
Classes
The Library
offers to Oakland University faculty and students customized
classes that focus on the information resources needed
for effective study and research in the discipline.
Working in close consultation with the faculty member
requesting the instruction, the librarian will design
instructional packages that may include some or all
of the following:
- introduction
to library services and collections
- instruction
in using the online catalog to find books and other
cataloged materials
- the use
of online databases to find journal articles
- the use
of specialized reference books and other library materials.
- methods
of searching the internet for reliable and accurate
web sites
- techniques for evaluating sources
Handouts
with examples of reference works, sample search strategies
and bibliographies of useful items are commonly prepared
for class distribution. Library sessions frequently
provide an introduction to the print sources of importance
to the discipline and usually also give students the
opportunity to use the various online databases to research
their own topics. Throughout the session, the librarian
will illustrate how to think about information needs
by defining what is needed, investigating appropriate
sources and evaluating sources of information for relevance,
reliability and objectivity.
These classes
may be taught in the library or in the regular classroom
for larger groups.
Course-Integrated
Instruction for Rhetoric 160
The library
offers several hours of instruction on research
techniques and tools in all sections of Rhetoric 160.
Part of the instruction is delivered online through
Moodle, while part of it is taught in person in the library.
Through the Moodle module, students take a virtual tour
of the library, learn essential library procedures and
use the online library catalog to find books and journals
in the OU library. During their classes in the
library, students learn how to find articles in periodicals
using FirstSearch. Librarians also teach students advanced search techniques, research strategies and
evaluation of sources. The scheduling of RHT160
classes is done by the Library Coordinator of Information Literacy.
It is also
possible for individuals not enrolled in 160 to audit
the classes if room is available. To inquire about
the class schedule and auditing a class, contact the
Reference
Desk (370-4426).
Library
Classroom Facilities
The library
has three information literacy instruction labs. Two of them, KL222 and KL225A,
are each equipped with 24-25 student computer workstations
and an instructor's station. Vision control software
enables the instructor to maintain control of the student
monitors for online demonstrations and instruction,
and then to then turn control of the students' computers
over to them for practice. The third room, KL225B, has projection capability, an instructor workstation and table/chair seating for up to 38 students.
These labs may be reserved for occasional use
by faculty, for example, if an instructor wants to bring
their students in to begin their research. To check on lab availability or to make a reservation, contact the Coordinator of Information Literacy.
Scheduling
Contact the
Coordinator of Information Literacy to
schedule a class (visiting groups, please read the OU
policy for visits from non-university groups). As
much advance notice as is possible benefits both your
class and the librarian; too little advance notice and
we may not be able to accomodate your class at the desired
time.
We suggest
the following to provide a positive environment for
student success:
- Please
request instruction for a time in the semester when
your students are ready to do research. Library skills
are best acquired when immediately needed for success
in a graded assignment.
- Attendance
by the instructor is welcomed and encouraged.
- Arriving
on time is not only a courtesy to the library instructor;
it is often necessary to ensure proper coverage of
the material.
If you are
planning on bringing your students to the library for
a research day, please contact the Coordinator
of Information Literacy beforehand.
Online
Tutorials
The
library now offers several online tutorials in which
you can familiarize yourself with the library environment,
procedures and tools. Check the Tutorials section of the library web site for a complete list.
Identifying
Resources for Classes
We recommend
that you notify the Coordinator of
Information Literacy before giving your class a library assignment.
The librarians can work with you to develop meaningful
and realistic exercises. Librarians will help determine
whether all items you assign are available for your
students, and may recommend that you place the items
on Reserve for safekeeping and easy access.
Librarians
can assist you in identifying print, electronic, or
web resources for use by individual classes. For example,
your library liaison can help you to create a bibliography
for your students of materials owned by the library
or available and to find electronic resources to link
to your course web page.
Research
Consultations
As a service
to the Oakland University community we offer the opportunity
to schedule individual consultations with librarians.
Whatever your research needs you'll have our undivided
attention and personal assistance in answering your
questions.
To initiate
a request for a personal research consultation, please
fill out the Email
research consultation request form. Please
include your OU affiliation (faculty, staff or student)
in your request and include a daytime telephone number.
Library
Tours
Tours are
designed to familiarize the users with the overall arrangement
of the library and do not include instruction in use
of catalog, databases or collections. These tours are
conducted by library staff members. Visiting groups,
please read the OU
policy for visits from non-university groups.
Contact
To schedule
a class, a tour or todiscuss other instructional matters,
please contact the Coordinator of Information Literacy:
Beth Kraemer
237 Kresge Library
248-370-4879
kraemer@oakland.edu |