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The User Education unit coordinates the Libraries' formal program of instruction including: UNL 205 and 206, one credit Information Literacy courses; support for other Information Literacy courses on campus; course-related instruction; classes on electronic databases and other research tools; and orientation tours. It also coordinates the development of electronic and printed guides, online tutorials, and other material designed for self-instruction in using the libraries. These materials are available on the Libraries' Web page (http://library.albany.edu/) under the section "Instruction & Tutorials." A selection of printed guides are available in each library.
The University Libraries are large and complex, and not all students feel comfortable using them. By learning basic information and research skills and by using resources available through the Libraries, students can maximize their academic program. The goals of the User Education program are to teach students how to locate and retrieve appropriate resources, to teach them to critically evaluate these sources, and to guide them in making effective use of the sources they select. Each of these skills is critical to students' academic success and to their ability to function in the broader world beyond the college environment.
The User Education unit offers the following:
UNL 205, INFORMATION LITERACY
This one credit, quarter-long course meets the University's General Education Information Literacy requirement, which students are obliged to fulfill within their first two years. The course acquaints students with the processes of finding, organizing, using, producing, and distributing information in print, electronic, and other formats. Students will learn about the flow of information in a variety of disciplines, how to be effective at the research process, how to access information in a variety of formats, and how to formulate effective searches on electronic databases and the Internet. Students will be taught to evaluate the quality of Web-based and print information, and will become familiar with practical, social, and ethical issues relating to information. The course is taught each quarter during the fall and spring semesters.
UNL 206, INFORMATION LITERACY IN THE SCIENCES
UNL 206 is similar to UNL 205, but targeted to students majoring in the sciences. This one credit, quarter-long course is usually offered at least once each semester. It also meets the University's General Education Information Literacy requirement.
COURSE-RELATED INSTRUCTION
Librarians are available to teach specialized sessions to University classes. The structure and content of these sessions will vary, depending on the needs of a particular course. Basic classes introduce students to the organization of library materials and explain the University Libraries. More advanced classes, taught by subject specialists, focus on the sources and research strategies pertinent to specific disciplines. Librarians will work closely with teaching faculty to develop each class. It is strongly recommended that the user education class be planned in conjunction with a library research assignment. To explore the possibilities for your course or to arrange such a session, please contact Trudi Jacobson or fill out one of the request forms at http://library.albany.edu/usered/cours.html. Please keep in mind that two weeks lead time is needed.
SUPPORT FOR INFORMATION LITERACY COURSES
For faculty members teaching courses that meet the University's General Education Information Literacy requirement, there are a number of resources available through the University Libraries. These include course-related instruction mentioned in the section above, tutorials for your students on a variety of information literacy topics, and assistance with assignments which use library resources. For more information, view the "Resources for Information Literacy Courses" page at http://library.albany.edu/usered/faculty/infolit.html, or contact Trudi Jacobson.
GUIDES AND TUTORIALS
The User Education unit coordinates the development of a wide range of print and online materials that facilitate use of our collections and resources. These range from tips on doing research to subject-specific bibliographies to instructional guides for using electronic resources such as the library catalog to Internet guides. Copies of many handouts are available in the reference area. Online copies may be found at http://library.albany.edu/usered/. Interactive online tutorials avaiable include Researching 101, Evaluating Internet Sites 101, Plagiarism 101 and the TILT modules. Other onine tutorials introduce Minverva (the online catalog), and finding scholarly journal articles.
MULTI-MEDIA AND WEB DESIGN APPLICATIONS
The staff of the Interactive Media regularly schedule classes throughout the semester. These are free classes, generally available on a sign-up/walk-in basis and targeted to Web applications, image editing software, and audio/video applications. Staff also develop specific classes and tailor content to accomplish assignments.
Faculty wishing to use multimedia resources, PowerPoint, and Web applications for student assignments may team up with the IMC staff to ensure that there is support for students to successfully complete these non-traditional projects. In addition, IMC staff will provide instruction in preparing Electronic Portfolios, digital publications, and preparation of audio and video files for multiple purposes.
Interactive Media handouts assist users with editing audio and video clips, developing Web pages, creating digital images and PowerPoint presentations, scanning, and using many Adobe products. Copies of handouts are available in the Interactive Media Center and on the IMC's Tutorials and Handouts Website.
GENERAL INSTRUCTION SESSIONS
Each semester the University Libraries offer a variety of sessions designed to acquaint new and continuing students, staff, and faculty with the resources that are available to them through the Libraries. There are introductory courses such as an overview of electronic databases; what electronic resources are available for research; and how to use a variety of software packages related to Web design. There are also discipline specific sessions that concentrate on electronic resources in various fields. Both the Interactive Media Center at the University Library and the Dewey Graduate Library produce a schedule each semester that lists and describes the sessions offered. These schedules are available on the Libraries' Web page in the "Library Classes" section under "Instruction & Tutorials." All sessions are open to the entire University community and are free of charge. It is recommended that you sign up in advance through the online registration form to ensure a seat.
TOURS
Tours are provided for target groups such as international students, prospective students, and transfer students. Arrangements for group tours should be made in advance. Self-guided tour booklets are always available in the University Library lobby. A virtual tour of the University Library is available at http://library.albany.edu/usered/tour/index.html. Podcast tours of the University Library are available at http://liblogs.albany.edu/podcasts/. Currently, tours are available in English, Korean, Spanish, Mandarian Chinese and Russian. The Dewey Graduate Library's Virtual Tour is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ualibraries/sets/72157600781276488
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR USER EDUCATION
University Library:
Trudi Jacobson 442-3581
tjacobson@uamail.albany.edu
Interactive Media Center:
Regina Conboy 442-3608
rconboy@uamail.albany.edu
Dewey Graduate Library:
Deborah Bernnard 442-3699
dbernnard@uamail.albany.edu
Science Library:
Irina Holden 437-3941
iholden@albany.edu