About Instruction
Librarians at USC offer library instruction to build on the university’s mission to educate students—from freshmen to postdoctoral researchers—by supporting their development as scholars and enhancing their experience as lifelong learners. In addition to evaluating, selecting, organizing and facilitating access to intellectual resources, librarians support the use and application of such resources through several instructional services. A key instructional service is course-based library instruction, in which a librarian provides customized training for a class in finding, accessing and using course-specific research materials.
Information Literacy at USC
The goal of library instruction is the promotion of information literacy. Information literacy can be defined as an “intellectual framework for understanding, finding, evaluating and using information” that is increasingly important in a world of rapid technological change and proliferating information resources. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) acknowledges information literacy as among the core learning abilities and competencies to be developed in a baccalaureate program. USC library subjects specialists can support teaching faculty in identifying where information literacy skills are needed and integrating these skills into course content and assignments. Library instruction helps students develop these skills and seek a variety of information sources that meet their needs.
Library Instruction Sessions
By prior arrangement with the faculty member or instructor, a subject specialist will either visit the classroom or conduct an interactive session during class time in a networked classroom in the library. Networked classroom sessions are limited to classes of 25 or fewer students. When instruction is requested, the subject specialists will contact the faculty member or instructor to receive applicable course, assignment, and topic information. To allow for the customization that optimizes student learning, instructors must request sessions at least a week in advance. Library instruction is also available for groups of graduate students in specific departments or programs.
To request library instruction, please use the Request-A-Class form or contact Avril Cunningham, Instruction Coordinator, at avrilc@usc.edu or (213) 740 2654.
For a self-guided orientation to basic research skills, see the Research 101 tutorial.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT
Instructional Computer Labs
USC's Public Computing Centers feature instructional labs with individual workstations for students.
Multimedia Classrooms and Auditoria
The University is expanding the number of networked multimedia classrooms and auditoria available on campus.
Center for Scholarly Technology
The USC Center for Scholarly Technology (CST) provides resources and support for faculty, teaching assistants, and academic staff to enhance learning and teaching though the effective use of digital communications and technology, including USC’s online course management system.
Norris Medical Library Workshops
The Norris Medical Library on the USC Health Sciences Campus offers workshops on health sciences research databases and productivity software. Registration is required.
Contact Information
Avril Cunningham
Instruction Coordinator
avrilc@usc.edu
(213) 740 2654
Nichole Julian
Assistant Instruction Coordinator
njulian@usc.edu
(213) 740 5152