Library Instruction Program
TLU’s librarians collaborate with classroom faculty to teach students to conduct effective academic research. Library instruction is available to classes in all departments and at all levels. Librarians particularly encourage faculty teaching freshman composition classes to schedule library instruction, introducing students to foundational research concepts early in their academic careers. Faculty teaching senior capstone classes and other research-intensive classes are also highly encouraged to collaborate with librarians. The library’s instruction program utilizes a variety of pedagogical methods including problem-based learning. Session effectiveness is greatly enhanced if the course instructor attends and participates in library instruction sessions. Faculty members are encouraged to arrange for library instruction, classroom demonstrations, and other library sessions with the Head of Library Instructional Services or with another library faculty member.
Reference Services and Outreach
- Reference Services – Hours for the library’s Ask a Librarian services are posted on the library’s website. These services include face-to-face reference, email, and chat. After normal business hours when the library is open, a librarian or staff member is available at the Reference Desk to assist users. TLU students, faculty, and staff may also contact a librarian to make a specific appointment for a research consultation. The library has active accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
- Librarian-Faculty Liaisons – Librarians may be assigned upon request to academic departments to collaborate with classroom faculty on effective development and use of the library’s resources. For more information, please contact the University Librarian, Mark Dibble (mdibble@tlu.edu).
- Instructional Support Services – The librarians periodically offer professional development workshops and one-on-one consultations to help faculty effectively use library resources for teaching and research. TLU’s Instructional Technologist is a member of the library faculty with an office located on the Lower Level (Office B-16). Short courses and classes in the use of technology are offered in the library computer lab and in other settings around campus. Faculty members are encouraged to call extension 6870 to make an appointment for individual help in developing materials that integrate technology into the curriculum.
- Access to Electronic Resources – The majority of the library's online databases can be accessed from any computer on the TLU network. The library offers a mobile interface for use with devices such as cellphones and tablets. There is no charge to university patrons to search the library's databases. Current TLU students, faculty, and staff may access the library's online databases from off-campus. Retired faculty and staff must be authorized users of the TLU network to receive off-campus access to the library's electronic resources. Instructions for off-campus access may be found on the Distance Learning for Students page and the Distance Learning for Faculty page. The Library Catalog contains records for the library's print resources as well as the library's e-books and e-media. These electronic items may be searched for and accessed via the library catalog or by searching in Publications by Title.
- Research Resources – The library offers online Databases by Subject (update this link with A-Z list) and topical LibGuides to assist students in research. These resources may be accessed from the library website.
- Publications – Library guides and point-of-instruction publications are routinely published. Print publications are available at the circulation desk, and online guides are available on the library's website. Examples include Library Floor Maps, Government Documents and Online Resources, and Research Guides by Subject (update these links later) .
- Academic Support – The office of the Director of Academic Support and many related services are located in the Alumni Student Center and on the lower level/east side of the library. Some supplementary (SI) and Collaborative Learning Assistant (CLA) sessions take place in the library. For more information about Academic Support services, contact Dr. Sycora Wilson-James, Director of Academic Support, extension 6305, swilson-james@tlu.edu.
- Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) – The CTL director's office is located on the lower level/east side (Office B-16) of the library in addition to an active learning classroom where lectures and presentations can be bi-directionally recorded. Faculty members who are interested in utilizing the services of the CTL or the active learning classroom may contact Dr. Rodrick Shao, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, extension 6870, rshao@tlu.edu.
- Student Communication Center (SCC) – The SCC, which includes tutoring space, the director's office, and a presentation practice room, is located on the lower level/west side of the library. The SCC provides opportunities for students to improve writing skills as well as oral and visual communication skills. For more information about the SCC and its services, contact Prof. Beth Barry, Director of the Student Communication Center, extension 6072, bbarry@tlu.edu.
- Information Technology Help Desk – The campus Help Desk is located on the library's lower level. The Help Desk is staffed during regular business hours and on Monday through Thursday evenings. Users may contact Help Desk staff at extension 6000, ishelp@tlu.edu.
