Library Instruction

Ways to schedule an Information Literacy or instruction class

Please use our online Library Instruction Request Form.

Instructors must supply:

• course number
• number of students
• minimum of 2 preferred dates and times for instruction
• brief description of class discussion or assignment

The AUS Information Literacy Program

This program exemplifies a successful partnership between several university entities.  Thanks to the collaborative efforts of CAS, the Registrar, the IT department and the University Library, virtually all AUS students have the opportunity to develop and master the information literacy skills critical to
succeeding in the academic world and beyond.

Information Literacy Mission Statement

The instructional mission of the AUS Library is to develop students’ information literacy competencies so that they can navigate the complex information landscape to improve their academic, professional, and lifelong education.  Information literacy is the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of resources. 

To fulfill this mission, the Information Literacy and instruction librarians will…

• Help students achieve information literacy competencies as defined in the Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Standards for Information Literacy Competency for Higher Education and Characteristics of Best Practices in Information Literacy.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate active learning elements, instructional design principles and critical pedagogy to accommodate the various learning styles and cultural uniqueness of the AUS student population.
• Maintain a culture of assessment to improve teaching methods and uphold a responsive IL program.
• Support the missions of AUS and the library and serve as an integral component of the General Education requirements.
• Maintain effective regional relationships to enhance information literacy at AUS and in the broader community. 

What is Information Literacy?

AUS defines information literacy as,
       
        “…the ability to recognize when information is needed, and then to locate, evaluate, and use this
        information effectively, both in students’ university career and beyond.”

Information Literacy is also known as “IL” or “Info. Lit.”.

What is an IL class?

Each semester, WRI 102, ENG 203 and 204 professors schedule a time for the students and the IL librarian to meet.  Typically, classes are held in either of the two electronic classrooms near the library IC.  To complement the experience, students may be asked to work with additional resources such as TILT and i-learn. 

What do students learn?

Students learn how to conduct academic research and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to master the IL competencies as outlined by AUS. 

What are the IL Competencies?

Because information literacy is a component of the General Education Requirements, as stated in the AUS Catalog (pg 25), students should be able to accomplish various aspects of the research process. 

Additional instruction sessions

The library also offers library sessions for classes in additional to the traditional writing courses.  If you have a research project for your class, consult the librarians.  We will work with you to design and deliver a library class targeted to meet the needs of your students.