Library Instruction

Library Instruction Services

Information literacy encompasses the skill set required to access, evaluate, and ethically employ information. These competencies are crucial for student success, both academically and in their future careers. Additionally, information literacy is a fundamental objective of Touro's General Education program. The Touro Libraries offer a diverse range of library instruction to acclimate students to our extensive resources and services while cultivating their essential research and critical thinking skills. Check out this short video that explains the 5 components of information literacy in simple terms.

Please review the Instructional Support Checklist.

We enthusiastically invite instructor feedback, please consider submitting the Post Instruction Survey.

Library Instruction Services

Online Instruction

All of our library instruction and orientation sessions can be held virtually using Zoom. These sessions are the same as in-person library instruction sessions and allow for greater flexibility. 

Schedule a Session

We invite you to contact your campus library for more information and to schedule sessions for your students. 

Review these questions before contacting us so we can better serve you and your students.

It is crucial for students to be aware of the libraries and the various resources at their disposal at the beginning of the semester. We strongly advise integrating library resources into your classes when students have a research assignment due. This will emphasize the practical importance of the tools and skills taught, ultimately enhancing student engagement and retention. 

We offer classes in the following formats: 

Library Orientations

Orientation sessions are our most popular instruction format. Suitable for all disciplines and levels, library orientations introduce the library collection, our services, and essential research skills. We suggest that you contact your campus library to reserve your library session early, as slots can fill up during popular times. 

Subject-Specific Classes

We also offer library sessions for upper-level classes tailored to the subject and class content. For students who have already attended an orientation session, these classes can introduce them to additional resources and more advanced concepts and techniques. Potential topics include: 

  • Searching library resources, including the catalog, e-books, and article databases 
  • Honing searches by employing basic and advanced search techniques and strategies 
  • Evaluating the reliability and usefulness of websites and online information 
  • Identifying peer-reviewed academic articles and other types of sources 
  • Avoiding plagiarism and creating in-text citations and bibliographies formatted according to a style guide such as MLA, APA, or Chicago and using a tool like RefWorks 
  • Using LibGuides to identify top resources and streamline the research process 
  • Other topics may also be covered based on collaboration between the library staff and faculty member 

Embedded Library Program

The Embedded Library Program goes beyond a one-time library session by encouraging collaboration between faculty and librarians to support students throughout the semester. A dedicated librarian can offer course- and assignment-specific resources, provide assistance directly through Canvas, and conduct one or more customized sessions. Suitable for online or in-person classes.  

Instructor Testimonials

testimonials

ProQuest Research Companion

ProQuest Research Companion supports information literacy, writing, and research skills instruction, providing a companion to instruction sessions and allowing librarians and instructors to focus on teaching more complex research and writing principles. Developed by writing instructors and librarians, ProQuest Research Companion consists of ten learning modules and five interactive tools, all designed to streamline the crucial aspects of the research process.

Workshops

The library offers a variety of online workshops for faculty, covering topics such as library services, copyright, and publishing. For more information, contact Sara Tabaei.

View a schedule of upcoming library workshops here.

We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with departments and other campus units to create tailored workshops for your faculty development efforts. Please contact us to find out more information about what we can offer. 

Touro University Academic Integrity

For information about academic integrity at Touro University, please see the Academic Integrity Policy. 

Touro Libraries encourages proper attribution and transparency of sources. Please review our Citing Sources LibGuide.

Touro Academic Integrity Test