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 details about formats and specific skills covered, visit our Instruction Services page.For subject-specific instruction, contact your liaison librarian directly or email research.help@viu.ca 

Before Submitting a Request 

Consider the following to ensure library instruction aligns with your students’ needs:

• Determine if they’ve participated in prior library instruction.
• Consider the instruction type and learning outcomes required.
• Schedule instruction at the point of need, ideally when students are working on relevant assignments or research tasks.

Booking Guidelines

• Request sessions ahead of time to allow for collaborative planning between the librarian and instructor. 
• Plan to attend sessions with your students as this supports their engagement and learning
• Librarians provide foundational research skills instruction for VIU’s DER courses. For non-DER first-year courses, confirm whether or how many students have already received library instruction to ensure sessions build on prior learning.
• We also recommend incorporating the Library Instruction module in VIULearn to complement and strengthen outcomes of in-class instruction.