About Library Instruction:

Librarians can work with faculty to organize library instruction for individual courses in various formats. Information literacy (IL) is at the centre of what VIU Library does in the University. IL is one of the pillars in VIU’s Graduate Attributes, and there it refers to “the ability to find and critically evaluate relevant information and its sources, and to synthesize the information with existing knowledge.” IL intersects with, relates to, and relies on many Library activities.

How to Request Library Instruction

Request library instruction for your classes by filling out the form below. A librarian will be in touch to discuss details, such as specific learning objectives and instruction format.

For instruction specialized in specific subject areas, you may also contact your liaison librarian directly or email library.instruction@viu.ca to learn more.

Booking Guidelines

• All sessions need to be arranged in advance so that there is a sufficient amount of time for the librarian to work with the instructor to tailor specific learning objectives and outcomes.
• Plan to attend in-person or online synchronous library instruction sessions with your students, as sessions cannot be held if the instructor is not present.
• When requesting library instruction, we recommend aiming for a date and time that aligns with a specific point of learning need, taking into account when students will be practicing relevant skills or working on assignments. This ensures that library instruction happens at a time when it is most relevant and beneficial to students. If you'd like to strategically organize library content throughout the term effectively, please reach out to discuss.
• Degree English Requirement (DER): The English and Library instruction partnership supports foundational research skills instruction provided by librarians for courses that fulfill VIU's DER, including ENGL 115, ENGL 117, ENGL 125, ENGL 135, ENGL 204, LBST 111 and INTR 100. The program ensures that most first-year students participate in information literacy instructed offered through the library and prevents repeated coverage of the same material. 
• Prior to requesting library instruction for a first-year course outside of DER, we recommend verifying whether students have already received prior library instruction. This will allow us to identify ways to enhance and expand upon foundational research skills.
• According to best pedagogical practices, we recommend that instructors make the Library Instruction module in VIULearn available to students before or after instructional sessions. For more information, visit the Library Instruction Module page.