Writing & Speaking Instruction - Frequently Asked Questions

Why schedule a library instruction session?

Our instructors are familiar with many of the common assignments and obstacles students encounter. We have designed our lessons to address the issues that we have observed through our interactions with students in person, online, and via consultations. We are here to support both students and instructors.

More frequently asked questions about the Libraries' Writing and Speaking instruction program

• Who can schedule library instruction?
  If you teach a class at NC State, you can schedule a library instruction session! We work with faculty, staff, and Graduate Teaching Assistants to introduce library resources and teach library research skills to their classes.
• Do classes meet in the library?
  For most sessions, we can meet your class in one of the Libraries’ learning labs, or we can come to your classroom. We can also meet your students via Zoom for online or hybrid courses. Scavenger Hunts, because of the nature of the activity, meet only at Hill Library.
• Who do I contact about requesting library instruction?
  Instructors can use our Request a Library Instruction Session form to request a session for their class. After we receive your request, we'll be in touch with you by email. You can also reach out to library_instruction@ncsu.edu.
• When should I schedule a session?
  You can schedule a session any time in the semester,however, we require that you schedule your session at least two weeks in advance. We recommend scheduling sessions for research skills close to a research project or assignment, so that the students can apply the skills they will learn. When you schedule a session, we will ask for information about the research assignment as the more we know, the more we can tailor the session to meet your needs.
• Is there a library instruction session that covers a library tour?
  Yes! The in-person interactive scavenger hunt will help students explore the D. H. Hill Jr. Library's spaces and services, explore online resources, and navigate the building. The scavenger hunt can be a great complement to the Introduction to the Libraries Moodle Module.
• Do you have instruction sessions that cover my research assignments?
  The Libraries' Writing and Speaking Instruction team offers unique instruction sessions that provide students with hands-on preparation for college-level research assignments. We can also customize our lessons to meet the specific learning objectives of a research assignment. Additionally, we are developing Libraries Moodle Modules to support skill building for common research assignments.
• What do I do if I need content that you don’t currently offer?
  If our standard instruction sessions aren't a good match for the topic you'd like us to cover with your class, please email library_instruction@ncsu.edu to discuss your needs.
• Will library instruction use my entire class period?
  Our sessions are typically 50 minutes. If you have a longer class period, you are welcome to continue to use the room for the remainder of your class. If you would like us to work with your class for a full 100 minute double-class session, we can pair the D. H. Hill Jr. Library interactive scavenger hunt with one other research instruction session.
• Can I request more than one library instruction session in a semester?
  Yes, you can request as many sessions as you would like. Schedules permitting, we can meet your students as students encounter different parts of the research assignment. If we are unable to accommodate your request, the Libraries Moodle Modules may be a suitable replacement or supplement.
• Can you record an instruction session for students who miss the class?
  We do not record our library instruction sessions, however the slides and handouts for each session are available on our Writing and Speaking Instruction page.
• Can you do any of these instruction sessions virtually?
  Yes, we offer versions of our sessions both synchronously and asynchronously online. We also make sure all of our materials are available online for instructor usage.
• Can students reach out to librarians for help after an instruction session if they have follow up questions?
  Absolutely! We also offer online individual appointments to assist with individual research needs. If you would like your students to meet with a librarian, even if you have not scheduled a class, they can schedule appointments with us anytime.