Library Instruction Menu | Schaffer Library

Schaffer Library offers the following menu options for library instruction topics. This menu was created to introduce you to the different topics we teach and approximately how long each session will take. You can work with us to create a customized plan that meets the requirements of your specific course. Use the Request Library Instruction Form to schedule instruction. Requests for library instruction should be placed three weeks prior to the requested date of instruction. Contact Jenna Pitera (piteraj@union.edu) if you have questions.

Topic	Approximate Time Required	Concepts Covered
Navigating the Library	30-60 Minutes	Students are able to identify services in the library and learn how to locate specific materials
Topic Creation	30 Minutes	Generating topic ideas Narrowing or broadening a topic to fit the scope of the research project Understanding research is made up of many research questions and evolves over time
Searching in Primo	30 Minutes	Developing a search strategy using search terms and filters Learn to access the full text of resources
Searching in Discipline-Specific Databases	30 Minutes	Learn how to identify databases appropriate for specific disciplines Developing a search strategy using search terms and filters
Searching Beyond Union	30 Minutes	Searching beyond Schaffer Library in Primo Using the WorldCat scope Searching in Google Scholar Developing a search strategy using different terms and filters Learn how to find the full text of resources or how to inter-library loan them
Searching for Primary Sources	40 Minutes	Students learn/review what primary sources are and their unique challenges and benefits for using them Students identify places to search for primary sources related to their topic as well as search strategies
Advanced Primary Sources	30-60 Minutes	Students learn how to interpret and analyze primary sources based on the discipline they are studying
Credibility and Evaluation	30 Minutes	Identify multiple characteristics used for evaluation Learn that one characteristic doesn't make a definitive evaluation
RefWorks	60 Minutes	Students learn to use the RefWorks software to create citations in multiple formats Recommended Guide: RefWorks Overview
Creating Citations	60 Minutes	Students learn a specific format for citations and are able to manually create their own in-text and bibliographic citations