What Topics are Addressed in Instruction for First Year Students?

Library instruction helps first year students make sense of the complex information landscape so that they can develop information, data, and digital literacy skills as well as self-efficacy and confidence in their ability to succeed in their research. Library instruction also introduces students to the UO Libraries as an important part of their academic support system – places where they can come to get free access to resources, quiet study space and collaborative work areas, community programming, and help from people who care about their success in college. 

When you schedule instruction, a librarian will work with you to develop a lesson plan targeted at your students’ needs. Some topics frequently covered in library instruction include: 

• Understanding the types of sources and research tools used in college-level research.
• Developing research questions and carrying out an iterative research process.  
• Searching strategically for information through the Libraries and online.
• Engaging in the scholarly conversation, recognizing new insights and discoveries occurring over time.
• Evaluating information for credibility and authority in context and related to the student’s need.
• Choosing to use information ethically and legally, knowing its various dimensions of value.

First-year instruction addresses other topics as well, and librarians work closely with the course instructor to develop engaging learning experiences that focus on their learning outcomes.

Library Instruction for the FIGs and ARCs

UO Libraries offers a library instruction program for students in First Year Seminars (FIGs) and Academic Residential Communities (ARCs). Information is available at the link below.  

Instruction Options for FIGs and ARCs 

Library Instruction for Writing Composition Courses

Students taking Writing 122Z and Writing 123 engage in research based writing that requires them to find, critically evaluate, synthesize, and integrate multiple perspectives from a variety of sources. UO Libraries offers a variety of asynchronous instruction options and resources, including a series of online modules, developed for students taking these courses.

If you are an instructor for Writing 122Z or Writing 123, you are responsible for importing the most recent version of these modules into your Canvas course each term. 

Learn More and Access Modules