Guiding Objectives for Library Instruction
Mesa Community College Library’s Instruction Program delivers innovative teaching and learning experiences grounded by a set of thoughtfully developed core program objectives. These objectives articulate intended learning outcomes and facilitate in-depth learning experiences for students. Designed by faculty librarians to define the essential skills students will gain from library instruction, each objective is crafted to provide engaging, in-depth learning experiences that ready students to become confident, independent learners in both the classroom and in their communities.
Library Guided Tour or Class Pop-In
Bring your class to the Library for a guided tour of our spaces and services. You may also request a librarian to visit your class for a brief pop-in presentation. Students will meet our friendly library faculty and staff members and get to know about all the resources provided by the Library to support their belonging and success at MCC.
101 Research Basics
Introduction to MCC Library’s digital and physical collections for research. Learn how to use tools such as OneSearch, Book Catalogue, Research Guides and eResource databases. Introduction to Boolean logic search. Emphasis on resource navigation, frequently asked questions, and entry-level search.
Developing a Research Question
A guided session to support students in skills to develop a research question by harnessing their capacity for inquiry. Addresses approaches to drafting a research question, including scoping to the level of the assignment and practicing iterative inquiry. Ideal to schedule at the beginning of a research assignment or in advance of a new project announcement.
Search Skills & Strategies
Introduce students to hands-on search methods for navigating academic databases with attention to detail and metacognitive awareness. Learn the difference between web search engines and library database search experience. Advanced search techniques such as use of filters, subject headings, and full-text introduced.
Evaluating Information
Focus on critical thinking for information consumption and evaluation. Students will learn how to distinguish between common source types and appropriate use cases for each, and consider the nuances of what makes information trustworthy and appropriate for academic work. May reference frameworks such as CRAAP Test, SIFT method, etc.
Research Assignment
Tailor a session around an active research assignment students are currently working on. Librarian will address how to interpret assignment directions in order to identify information needs, and provide recommendation for the best databases & resources for searching the required topics. Common assignments include but are not limited to persuasive essay, career exploration, speech delivery, etc.
Discipline-specific Research
Research is not one size fits all. Some disciplines require introduction to unique knowledge, methods, and research practices relevant to a particular field of study. This objective is ideal for students in Nursing, Dental, Health Sciences, etc. Addresses discipline-specific research frameworks such as PICO, MeSH terms, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Custom Need
Don’t see what you’re looking for in the options above? Please reach out to your Subject Librarian to discuss a custom instruction objective. Find your Subject Librarians here.