Course-Related Instruction

Librarians provide instruction, at all levels, in many areas of library and research skills, including:

• the literature of specific disciplines
• the organization and evaluation of information sources
• the principles of the research process
• explanation and demonstration of specialized reference tools
• evaluation of web resources

Librarians work with faculty to tailor sessions to the specific course and to include examples of sources that relate to the topics of individual students. Librarians often will construct a web page for the instruction session which may include a list of relevant reference sources, as well as guides to the research process. Instruction sessions generally take place in the Howe Library Instruction Center in order to demonstrate online materials and facilitate access to print materials. It is also possible to arrange library instruction sessions in another classroom on request.

Individual Consultations

UVM faculty, students and staff may make an appointment with a reference librarian at Howe Library for consultation on library research. A consultation usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes and provides an opportunity for the researcher and librarian to work together without interruption or pressure.

Graduate Student Workshops

Graduate students, while perhaps comfortable with the general research process, often need guidance in specialized research in their field of study. Key information resources in the broad areas of study, such as humanities, business, etc., are highlighted in each session. Workshops focusing on more specific topics such as natural resources or english may also be arranged. Instruction sessions generally take place in the Howe Library Instruction Center in order to demonstrate online materials and facilitate access to print materials. It is also possible to arrange an instruction session in another classroom on request.

Graduate Student Orientations

Many graduate students are new to UVM. Each customized orientation is designed to provide a general introduction to the UVM Libraries, its services, and collections in the students' subject area. Instruction sessions generally take place in the Howe Library Instruction Center in order to demonstrate online materials and facilitate access to print materials. It is also possible to arrange an orientation session in another classroom on request.

International Students' Reception

Many of UVM's international students come from countries with library systems different from our own. This annual event provides an opportunity for incoming international students to become acquainted with staff, collections, and services in the UVM Libraries in a relaxed setting. Activities include a tour of Howe Library, a hands-on demonstration of the UVM Libraries web site, and an introduction to research in a U.S. academic library.

Summer Programs

UVM offers a variety of summer programs to students of all ages from diverse backgrounds. The Howe Library Information & Instructional Services (I&IS) division works with instructors in these programs to tailor library instruction sessions to the students' academic levels and disciplines.

Ad Hoc Programs

The Howe Library welcomes opportunities to instruct members of the UVM community in library research. We are happy to meet with groups for workshops tailored to the needs of the group.

Community Workshops

As time and space permit we are available to conduct short workshops for community groups, however; our first priority is to the UVM community.

Additional Information

For questions about any of the instruction options or to arrange a library session, please contact:

Daisy Benson
Phone: 656-0636
E-mail: daisy.benson@uvm.edu

Special Collections and University Archives Instruction

Special Collections and University Archives has an active instruction program that provides students at all levels and in a wide range of disciplines with hands-on educational opportunities to work with materials from the Vermont Research Collection, the University Archives, and the Rare Book Collections. For more information,  contact the SCUA Instruction Coordinator.