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 in the FIGs

A librarian is assigned to work with each FIG taught during the Fall term. If you are a FIG instructor, you are encouraged to contact your librarian, who can consult with you on assignment design, discuss ideas for incorporating information literacy practices into your FIG, and visit your FIG to provide library instruction to your students. FIG instructors for Fall, 2025 will receive an email with information about their assigned librarian in Spring, 2025.  

Have questions? Contact Chloe Barnett, Undergraduate Engagement and Student Success Librarian. 

Library Engagement with the ARCs and RCs

The UO Libraries partners with Academic Residential and Research Initiatives to support students living in ARCs, RCs, and University Housing. Whether you are teaching an ARC seminar, advising students in an RC, working as a Community Director, or serving as an RA, we would like to hear from you about ideas you have for involving the Libraries in your community. 

Contact Chloe Barnett, Undergraduate Engagement and Student Success Librarian, for more information.  

Library Research Modules for WR 122Z

Students taking Writing 122Z should have access to a series of Canvas modules developed by librarians that explore research process from start to finish. Topics covered include coming up with a research question, developing a search strategy, finding sources, evaluating information, citing sources, and getting help from librarians. 

If you are an instructor for WR 122Z, you are responsible for importing the most recent version of these modules into your Canvas course from Canvas Commons. You can find the modules by searching for "Library Research for WR 122Z" in Canvas Commons.    

Have questions? Contact Chloe Barnett, Undergraduate Engagement and Student Success Librarian, for more information. 

Learn How to Access Canvas Commons