• General Content

The library will provide, at the request of the professor, one or more classes on library research methods and materials for any course that has an assignment requiring significant library research. (General "introduction-to-the-library" classes and tours are generally not offered because experience has shown that most students usually pay little attention to such presentations if they do not have a research assignment to motivate them.)

• Location

All classes are held in the library's new electronic classroom and provide an introduction to those research tools, both print and electronic, which should be most useful to the students in completing their specific research assignment. Ample time is also provided for "hands-on" practice with relevant electronic databases.

• Level of Cooperation

Because classes are targeted as precisely as possible to the specific assignment, it is essential that the librarian providing the instruction have a clear understanding of the assignment and the professor's expectations. Professors should provide the librarian with a copy of the assignment and, if possible, meet with the librarian to discuss it. It is also essential that the professor be present during the class, particularly to assist in responding to student questions during the practice time.

• Scheduling

Classes can be scheduled at any time during the semester but are generally most useful when offered soon after the professor has given the class the research assignment and the students have had some time to consider possible topics. Ed Bailey (Ext. 2580; e-mail<ebailey>) is coordinator of library instruction programs. Ideally all requests for instruction should come first to him. However, some faculty, particularly those who may have already worked with another librarian, may wish to contact that librarian directly; others may be more comfortable working through their library liaison. Requests received through these channels can be accommodated.

• Library Instruction Form

A request form for library instruction can be found at the library web site: http://www.providence.edu/library/library_instruction.htm. It is not necessary that faculty use this form; however, completing it will ensure that the librarian doing the class has the information needed to prepare an effective presentation. Requests can be submitted via phone, fax or e-mail (Ext. 2580; Fax 2823; or e-mail<ebailey>).