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Library Instruction Requests

Library instruction can be requested by any member of the CSU faculty (full-time or adjunct). Library instruction sessions can be general in focus, covering the library catalogs and other library databases that may be appropriate for a broad range of academic subjects. Sessions can also be customized for a specific academic discipline or geared towards a particular course assignment.

A standard instruction session (also known as a standard BI) is typically scheduled for 50-75 minutes, depending on the class schedule. However, faculty may request a double BI, two or more consecutive library instruction sessions scheduled for the same course. In the case of a double BI, the first session will be a standard lecture/presentation; subsequent session(s) will be devoted to hands-on activity. Sessions may be scheduled on the same day (back-to-back) or on different dates.

Library instruction services are available during the following hours during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 terms:
 

Library Instruction sessions are available via the following delivery modes:

• In-person, taught in the Library Instruction Lab, located on the 2nd floor of the Gwendolyn Brooks Library (LIB 210) 
• Live-online, taught in a Virtual Library Instruction Lab via Zoom 
• Pre-recording, recorded instruction session using Zoom. 

The ideal time for an instruction session is 2 to 3 weeks before the related class assignment is due. However, the timing is entirely up to the course instructor. In the case of live-online library instruction sessions, the librarian scheduled to teach the session will provide the course instructor with a copy of the Zoom invitation for the session to share with students after the requested library instruction session has been confirmed. In the case of pre-recorded sessions, the date/time selected in the Library Instruction Requests system will indicate the date/time by which the recording should be delivered to the course instructor. The requested "delivery date" should be at least 1 week away.

Please submit requests for a library instruction session at least 1 week in advance of the desired date.

Research & Instruction Services has migrated the Library Instruction Requests system to a new online platform. One of the key features in the new platform is greater flexibility in the scheduling process. There are no longer preset time slots. Course instructors may now select a start and end time for the library instruction session that matches the class meeting start and end times, or whatever start and end time they wish. In the case of classes that meet for more than 2 hours, the maximum duration for a library instruction session is 2 hours. 

Course instructors must attend in-person as well as live-online instruction sessions with their students to provide invaluable input during the session and to emphasize the importance and value of achieving basic research skills.

Faculty may direct any questions regarding library instruction services to the Research & Instruction Services Coordinator, Prof. Rosalind Fielder. She can be reached by phone in the Research & Instruction Services unit in the Gwendolyn Brooks Library at 773-995-2235 or by email at rfielder@csu.edu. Please include "Library Instruction Request" in the email subject for a more timely response.