Archer Library Instruction Program

Archer Library supports the educational mission of Ashland University by providing information literacy based library instruction sessions. Core competencies of information literacy include "the abilities involved in identifying an information need, accessing needed information, evaluating, managing, and applying information, and understanding the legal, social, and ethical aspects of information use" (ACRL,2006). Instruction sessions are designed to actively involve students, each provides opportunity for experiential learning and scaffolds relevant research skills.

In Person • Active Learning Lab

In-person instruction is held in the Bernice Faber Baker Active Learning Lab, located on the main floor of Archer Library. The classroom is equipped with both collaborative spaces and high-tech features that make it one of the most innovative classroom environments on campus (Library News Blog, 2021). Hybrid instruction sessions, students in the classroom and online, are also presented successfully in the active learning lab.

Online • Blackboard, Zoom & Library Guides

Synchronous and asynchronous library instruction, including video tutorials and recorded live sessions, is available using Zoom and Blackboard Learn. Instruction librarians will work with faculty to determine the best way to support online library instruction sessions. Archer Library Guides are designed and developed by instruction librarians and library department liaisons. Guides support programs, individual courses, specific assignments, and general research.

Collaboration • Designing Instruction

Librarians are available to collaborate with instructors. We will work with you to design instruction sessions and assignments that support your course learning outcomes and the information literacy framework. The Framework is organized into six frames and identifies both knowledge practices and dispositions for learners developing their information literate abilities. An alphabetical listing of the six frames is presented below; details are provided on the Information Literacy Framework page of this guide.

Information Literacy Framework

Authority Is Constructed and Contextual

Information Creation as a Process

Information Has Value

Research as Inquiry

Scholarship as Conversation

Searching as Strategic Exploration