Schedule a Library Instruction Session

The mission of the library's instruction program is to help the UML community function successfully in the increasingly complicated information environment.

Goals for Information Competency

In support of the instruction mission, the library works together with other members of the academic community to realize the goals and objectives of information competency with the American Library Association. What is information competency? Briefly stated, information competency goals include the ability to:

• Identify and define information requirements for a given research question or problem
• Construct effective research strategies
• Locate and retrieve relevant information using a variety of tools
• Evaluate various types of information 
•   Organize and synthesize data       
• Present information in a variety of formats
• Understand the ethical, legal and socio-political issues surrounding information and information technology  

Services

The library instruction program strives to meet Information Competence goals by providing instruction to students at all educational levels through an integrated approach incorporating a variety of disciplines and learning styles. Our instruction activities and classroom sessions are specifically designed to support the academic programs at University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Our program is constantly adapting to meet the changing needs of our patrons and demands on the library. Currently, instruction services include:

·         Individual reference desk assistance.

·         One-on-one consultations can be scheduled for intermediate or advanced informational needs by calling the north campus library, Lydon Reference, (978) 934-3213 or the south campus library, O'Leary Reference, (978) 934-4554.

·         Library workshops and tours - scheduled throughout the semester trainings are designed as an orientation to the specifics of the University Library and resources available. Periodically throughout the semester, in-depth workshops are offered on a variety of topics.

·         Course-integrated instruction - upon request of faculty, librarians will provide instruction in information competence skills, library research methods, and the use of information sources in all formats and various disciplines.

·         Consulting Services - librarians can work with faculty to discuss library resources available to support course assignments and can assist faculty in developing specific library assignments.

·         Faculty Institutes - librarians offer a variety of special workshops for faculty during the Winter or Summer Institutes sponsored by the Faculty Teaching Center.

Suggestions and/or Questions

We are always interested in your suggestions, ideas, and comments about our instruction services. Please feel free to e-mail or phone (978) 934-4580 Rosanna Kowalewski or Instruction Coordinator, Margaret Manion (978) 934-3211.

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