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    Faculty Information Literacy Toolkit: Synchronous Library Instruction

    A guide for faculty about the library and information literacy

    Synchronous Library Instruction

    The GCU Library is committed to providing tools to help students become proficient in all areas of information literacy. The library offers course-related classes and webinars designed to teach students about online resources and how to navigate the information landscape. Library instruction classes, taught by degreed librarians, aim to encourage lifelong learning as well as academic discovery.

    Live instruction is available to all course types and levels:

    • Online as live webinars.
    • On campus with a Librarian:
      • In your classroom.
      • In the Library's Library Instruction Room on the 3rd floor.

    Example Lesson Topics For Library Instruction Sessions

    ACRL Frame: Searching as Strategic Exploration

    Students just entering college may not know how to search in a database.  This instruction introduces students to the basic strategies for searching in a library database compared to searching on the Internet.

    5 Steps for Effective Searching

    1. Break down the topic into key ideas
    2. Determine where to find the information
    3. Use synonyms and Boolean operators
    4. Use truncation symbols
    5. Use limiters to refine the results

    ACRL Frame: Information has Value; Scholarship as Conversation

    We'll discuss the importance for including citations, their underlying structure and how that translates to resources commonly used at GCU.  In addition, we'll cover citation rules and resources to help ensure accuracy.

    • GCU Library resources
    • In-text citations
    • Indirect sources
    • Appropriate use of et al.
    • Reference page citations
    • Reference page formatting
    • Paper formatting

    ACRL Frame: Information has Value; Scholarship as Conversation

    Students are inundated with information, not all of it is useful, authoritative, or accurate.  This instruction gives them the skills to analyze resources for credibility, bias, and relevancy.

    • Types of resources
      • Scholarly vs academic vs reference material
    • Peer reviewed resources
    • Credibility
    • Authority
    • Accuracy

    ACRL Frame: Searching as Strategic Exploration

    Many topics are more complex and need more advanced search strategies to find relevant resources.  This instruction gives students a deeper understanding of the impact keyword choice and placement have on results. It will also develop students' knowledge of database tools.

    • Empirical searches
    • Advanced keyword searches
    • Advanced databases options
    • Specialty resources

    ACRL Frame: Information has Value; Research as Inquiry

    Citation management programs are extremely useful for students who need to gather and continually review large amounts of literature over a long period of time.  This instruction reviews how to best utilize RefWorks.

    • Creating an account
    • Exporting information
    • Organizing citations
    • Editing citations
    • Creating bibliographies
    • RefWorks Citation Manager
    • Useful tips and tricks

    ACRL Frame: Information Creation as a Process; Scholarship as Conversation

    Research is the backbone of scholarly pursuits.  This instruction gives students a basic understanding of the various elements in an empirical article.

    • Literature review
    • Methodology
      • Quantitative vs qualitative
      • Data gathering
      • Sample population
    • Results
      • Data analysis
    • Limitations
    • Discussion

    ACRL Frame: Research as Inquiry; Searching as Strategic Exploration

    Doctoral research is complex and extensive.  This instruction focuses on more advanced research concepts including:

    • Overview of searching for literature for a review
    • Developing a strategy for determining inclusion of literature
    • Organizing literature
    • Google Scholar
    • Special resources to find information concerning
      • measurement instruments
      • seminal works
      • theoretical frameworks
      • the research process
      • completed GCU dissertations

    Regularly Scheduled Webinars

    The Library offers webinars throughout the month on a regular schedule. These webinars include basic introductions to the library, subject research, computer basics, APA, and RefWorks, as well as webinars for UNV-104 and CWV-101. Webinars are live so students are able to ask questions and interact with the librarian.

    Webinar Calendar

    Click here   to view your timezone. Calendar times are displayed in Arizona time.

    All GCU Library Webinars are presented via Zoom webinar and live transcription is available.  Zoom has instructions on how to turn on captions depending on your operating system.
    If you believe you need any accommodations to ensure access to any GCU webinar, please contact Student Disability Services for assistance. (  [email protected]  or 602-639-6342 )

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