Search the Library Catalog

Request a FYS Library Orientation

Schedule a First Year Seminar Library Orientation

Please look at our calendar of available dates and fill out the form below the calendar to schedule a library orientation.

Fill out my online form.

Library Orientation: Introduction to Information Literacy

The Library Orientation program offers first year students an introduction to the Library’s resources and services, as well as information on effective research strategies, to help make the first year student experience successful.  The program also includes a short research activity designed to provide immediate immersion in the art of database searching, as well as serving as an assessment tool.

The Library Orientation program is designed as a short introduction to the library with basic information literacy skills.  Course assignments and additional library sessions are needed to strengthen the acquisition of information literacy skills.

Program Content

The 45 minute orientation provides an introduction to the Library’s operations and services.  About 35 minutes are spent giving students a “virtual tour” of the Library website, including:

  • online catalog
  • Journal Finder
  • GALILEO

The Library’s online Research Guides and service points are also highlighted, in order to emphasize the continued academic support offered to students. The last ten minutes are used for a hands-on activity, which strengthens the students’ acquisition of information.

Resources / Instructional Materials

  • The Library website
  • GALILEO
  • Library Database Exercise
  • Periodicals, to emphasize quality of sources
  • IPad, Apple TV, and Projector

Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Program Objectives

The Library Orientation Program supports the First Year Seminar program by:

  • Providing an introduction to Library services and resources in order to assist students in making a successful transition to college by attaining academic success skills, which includes library use and research skills
  • Introducing the concept of applying evaluative criteria to information in order to impart critical thinking and analytical skills that assist students with determining the validity of information

Learning Outcomes

After attending a library orientation, students will be able to:

  • Identify library services and resources in order to find materials in multiple formats to meet their research needs
  • Search a database using Boolean logic (“AND,”“OR,” “NOT”) and flexible vocabulary in order to retrieve articles that are on-target and topic relevant
  • Apply evaluative criteria in order to select scholarly articles
  • Define how librarians can assist in research in order to facilitate continued learning outside of library sessions.

The Library Orientation learning outcomes are consistent with the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education, and will specifically introduce the students to Standards 2 and 4.

Standard 1 The information literate student determines the nature and extent of information needed
Standard 2 The information literate student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently
Standard 3 The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system
Standard 4 The information literate student, individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
Standard 5 The information literate student understands many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally.

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Anne Salter, Director of the Library
Toni Zimmerman, Reference Librarian
Eli Arnold ’06, Reference Librarian