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CTE - Center for Teaching Excellence: Library Instruction

Information Literacy in the Curriculum

At Central Penn, both the library and teaching faculty are responsible for the information literacy development of students. The library is currently formally embedded in two 100-level courses. Faculty who assign research projects are expected to provide students with research instruction and support. Faculty are encouraged to invite the library to collaborate on research assignment design, instruct students in research and information literacy topics, and/or supply supplemental materials for the course, such as recommended readings or the creation of a research guide tailored to your course.

Information Literacy Resources

Requesting an Instruction Session

If you would like to request an instruction session, email library@centralpenn.edu at least one week in advance. In your email, please include:

  • The course code or name
  • When and where the class meets
  • If you would like the librarian to request a computer lab
  • How many students are enrolled in the course
  • The topic(s) you would like covered
  • A copy of the assignment instructions and rubric (if applicable)
  • Optional (but helpful): a copy of your syllabus
  • At least three possible dates for the instruction session

Once your email is received, a librarian will get in touch with you confirming a date and details.

Embedded Curriculum

Where is library instruction already embedded into the Central Penn curriculum?

IDS 101, CPC Foundations

Students learn about:

  • library services
  • library resources
  • how to conduct basic searches in Credo
  • how to conduct basic searches in Opposing Viewpoints

ENG 102, College Composition II

Students learn:

  • how to conduct and refine searches in EBSCOhost
  • how to conduct and refine searches in Gale
  • how to search by subject term

**If you teach either IDS 101 or ENG 102, a librarian will contact you before term begins to discuss the library's involvement in the course.

Special note: Capstone has an in-depth research guide created by the library already embedded into the course shell in Blackboard. 

Library Instruction Opportunities

Day Classes Summerdale:

  • Instruction sessions (by request; view menu below)
  • Reference - in person, phone, email, text, or chat
  • Research guides created about specific topics or designed for certain courses

Evening/Blended Classes (Summerdale and Lancaster):

  • Instruction sessions (by request; view menu below)
  • Reference - phone, email, text or chat
  • Research guides created about specific topics or designed for certain courses

Online Classes:

  • Instruction session webinars (by request; view menu below)
    • via Blackboard Collaborate
    • recordings made available to faculty within one business day
  • Reference: phone, email, text, or chat
  • Research guides created for specific topics or designed for particular classes
  • YouTube videos (feel free to link to or embed any of them in your course in Blackboard!)

Instruction Sessions Menu

The following topics are instruction sessions often requested by faculty and how long they typically take. If you would like a librarian to address a topic not on this list or spend more time on a particular topic, just let us know! We're happy to accommodate your students' unique learning needs.

APA Citation and Formatting 1 hour
Citation Managers (EndNote Web or Mendeley) 20 minutes
Database Instruction 1 hour
Google Scholar 20 minutes
Infographic Design (using Piktochart and/or Excel) 1 hour
How to Paraphrase 20 minutes
How to Avoid Committing Plagiarism 20 minutes
PowerPoint Design Basics 1 hour
How to Read a Scientific Journal Article 45 minutes
Research Process (in general) 15 minutes

Chat with a Librarian

Contact the Library

Library hours:

Monday  - Thursday: 8am - 6pm

Friday: 8am - 5pm

Additional hours are available by appointment.

Contact:

Email: Library@centralpenn.edu

Call or Text: (717) 728-2500