USMA Library Homepage: Faculty: In-Class Instruction

Instruction and Curricular Support

The staff of the USMA Library supports cadet learning through specialized information literacy and research classes. We also provide library orientation tours, help with research strategies, citation guidance, and workshops or clinics on specific assignments. Your department’s liaison librarian can help to create a library instruction session tailored to the needs of your cadets and their class assignments. We offer this support in a variety of
ways depending on your needs. For example, many HI108 faculty include library orientations during class time to prepare plebes for college research.

We also offer evening clinics for SOSH assignments, such as the SS202 Paper 2 or SS307 paper. All instruction can be done virtually or in person. We have done clinics and in-class instruction over Teams or in-person. We also have information literacy skills modules that can be embedded in Blackboard, Canvas, or Teams, or assigned for cadets to complete as preparation for your class.

Use this form to request instruction.

Examples of Scaffolded Information Literacy Instruction

USMA Library staff understand the importance of integrating instruction into your classroom in a way that is customized to you and your cadets' needs. Here are some general examples of sessions that can be taught and the types of learning outcomes that are possible in different time frames. Your liaison will meet with you prior to class to discuss your specific needs and goals to ensure that appropriate information literacy skills are taught.

Plebe Course, Basic Information Literacy Skills

Lesson Length: 75 min, 1 class period

Learning Objectives:

1.Identifies multiple terms in order to conduct a search for information needed

2.Distinguishes characteristics of information provided in both popular and scholarly sources

3.Identifies characteristics of information that make an item a primary or secondary source in a given field

Plebe Course, Basic Info Lit Skills & Reinforcement

Lesson Length: 75 min each, 2 class periods

Learning Objectives, 2nd class (see above for 1st class)

1.Identifies an initial question that might be too broad or narrow, as well as one that is probably manageable

2.Navigates the library’s online catalog, using limiters or other embedded tools, in order to refine a search for information needed

3.Uses available services appropriately to obtain desired materials or alternative sources

Upper Level Course, Advanced Research Skills

Lesson Length: 75 min, 1 class period

Learning Objectives:

1.Identifies and modifies key concepts and terms in order to refine a search for information needed

2.Demonstrates when it is appropriate to use a subject-specific information source

3.Demonstrates competency in using subject-specific information sources

Upper Level Course, Advanced Info Lit Skills & Reinforcement

Lesson Length: 75 min each, 2 class periods

Learning Objectives, 2nd class (see above for 1st class)

1.Identifies a research topic that may require revision and demonstrates flexibility in changing the initial topic based on information found (or not found)

2.Analyzes and interprets the information collected using a growing awareness of key terms and concepts to decide whether to search for additional information or to identify more accurately when the information need has been met

3.Demonstrates knowledge of how to obtain information within a given time frame that is not available immediately