Library workshops are available to any class offered at the University of Lynchburg. Each workshop is designed to strengthen the students' ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and use resources while strengthening their critical thinking and information literacy skills.
Why should I schedule a library workshop for my class?
Nationwide studies like Project Information Literacy and The Citation Project confirm that students have difficulty narrowing topics, choosing search terms, selecting appropriate databases, evaluating sources, and citing within their papers. If you have had unsatisfactory experiences with students’ papers and projects in the past, or want them to learn specialized resources for your field, please consider arranging a workshop. This will give your students the opportunity to think about their research assignment, learn skills to help them succeed, and ask questions that will result in better final projects.
What's special about Knight-Capron's instruction program?
Every session is tailored to your assignment and your students’ needs. We design each workshop to reflect the theme and instructor’s suggestions. We see library instruction as a collaboration between the librarian and the professor and consider it a privilege to be invited to work with your class.
What is covered in a library workshop?
It's important to note, a single library workshop is not enough time to teach students everything they need to know about research. The librarian will instead focus on 1-2 learning objectives. Our Workshop Menu highlights our most popular topics and how much time is required to cover each one. Don't see what you need? Reach out to your liaison librarian and we'll figure out how to help.
How do I schedule library workshop?
The best method is to use the online form. Please send your request at least one week in advance. In order to create a session that is productive and worthwhile for your students we cannot accommodate last-minute requests. Attaching assignment instructions is essential to helping us design the best possible workshop. You will receive an email confirmation as well as a follow-up email from the librarian you choose with any questions or requests for clarification. In some cases, we may request a meeting with you to ensure we are on the same page.
Where do the library workshops take place?
Most workshops take place in the library computer lab (library first floor, Knight Wing). The lab gives students the opportunity to practice the research skills they're learning in real time. That said, we can come to your classroom if that is your preference .Also, we are experienced in teaching via Google Meet if your class meets virtually.
I teach in the evening or weekend, or my class is exclusively online; can I still request a library workshop?
Of course! We teach whenever you teach. We also have a lot of experience providing instruction through Google Meet if that is what's needed.
How can I help to make the library workshop effective?
Before the workshop, discuss the applicable paper or project with your class. Explain to the students why they are coming to the library. We require professors to accompany their students to class. When you are present, students are more attentive and engaged. They may have questions about how the library workshop applies to their assignments and you are the best person to answer them.
What other instructional support does the library provide?