SJCC Library - About the Library

Library Instruction Requests

• SJCC Librarians are happy to provide in-person or remote instruction for courses. Please note both in-person and remote options are based on librarian availability. We will try our best to accommodate all requests. Librarian require at least one week's advance notice. (Two weeks advance notice is preferred.) 
• Faculty, submit your library instruction requests here!

Library Instruction Tips for Faculty

• Timing: Introduce the assignment or research prompt well before your students attend a library instruction session. It is difficult for students to retain new research skills when they are not contextualized around an assignment. 
• Communication: Communicate the specific learning goals or objectives so that the librarian can select the most appropriate research resources and strategies based on those learning goals. It is always advised that you send a copy of the relevant assignment to the librarian. 
• Resources: Contact a librarian to make sure we have the resources you’re asking students to find. When in doubt, just email us, stop by, or call the Research Help Desk.
• Rubrics: Give clear, consistent, and explicit research expectations and/or use rubrics. For example, let students know exactly how many books, articles, websites, etc. they are expected to find. Make sure students understand what you mean when you ask for "scholarly / peer-reviewed / academic articles." 
• Scaffold: Reinforce the skills they've been introduced to in the library session throughout the class. Library instruction sessions are not one-stop shops for independent college researching. Students need to be encouraged to continue practicing these skills throughout their courses. Scaffolding research skills is the key to success.

FAQs

1. Who will facilitate the library instruction session? Any of our faculty librarians (including our adjuncts) can provide an excellent orientation, as well as give students guided research practice time. Librarians are assigned to sessions based on availability.

2. What does a library instruction session entail? When you fill out the request form, you can let us know exactly what kinds of resources your students will need to use in order to complete their research assignment. If you are unsure, please contact a librarian at sjcc.libary@sjcc.edu.

3. When does the library provide instruction sessions? We will make every effort to provide instruction during the library's regular hours of operation. Please use the request form linked above to request your session with at least ONE WEEK'S ADVANCED NOTICE (two preferred) of your desired instruction date. Keep in mind that your students will benefit the most from a library instruction session when they have already been introduced to your assignment and have had a chance to discuss their research topics with you.

4. Where does the instruction occur? Library Instruction Sessions are held in L-206, the computer classroom located on the second floor of the Library/Learning Resources Center (Building). We are also able to facilitate sessions remotely through Zoom. 

5. Do I have to attend the library instruction session with my class? Yes! Your active participation in the session is critical to your students' success. We ask that instructors arrive with their class, on time, and assist in keeping students on track and engaged. If you can't attend, you must provide a substitute or reschedule. 

6. Why should I schedule a library instruction session? Our library has a variety of resources selectively acquired with SJCC's curriculum and students in mind. All too often, students default to Google or other non-academic resources when doing research. Why not get students on the right track and introduce them to the wonderful world of college-level research? When you show your students that library research is important to you, they'll begin to realize it's important to them too. Library love is infectious!