Library Guides @ VIU: Library Instruction: Library Instruction Module in VIULearn

About the Tutorial

VIU Library offers an interactive, asynchronous instruction tutorial designed to support students in developing foundational research skills. Designed to be completed in approximately one hour, the course covers the following modules:

Getting started with researching a topic
Working with broad and narrow research topics
How and where to search, including subject-specific databases (eg. LION, MLA Bibliography for literature courses)
Evaluating information
Accessing help with research questions, searching and citation
Final quiz

Recommendations for use

Make the modules available before and after library instruction sessions to help students revisit and reinforce their learning.
Feel free to break the modules up and assign relevant parts at specific points of need during the term. Breaking down learning into manageable chunks reduces cognitive load and enhances student learning. Eg. Place “Getting started” at the beginning of the course, and “Working with broad and narrow topics” when students are brainstorming research topics.

Librarians are available to collaborate with you in determining the best approach for incorporating the module effectively. Feel free to reach out to us and support.

How to import the modules

You can download it as a D2L import file (updated September 2025 - please note previous versions include a broken link in Evaluating Information module). This import file contains modules intended for ENGL 115 and 125 (and equivalents). If using only for ENGL 115 or a non-literature based course, the ENGL 125 content can be removed after import. Use Chrome or Firefox for the best experience. Avoid Safari, which has caused troubleshooting issues.

Login to VIULearn
Go to the course you want the module to be in
Go to “Contents”
Click “Table of Contents” on the left (underneath “Course Schedule”)
Click “Import Course”
Click “Import Course Package”
Click “Upload” and select the zip file you downloaded. Don't unzip it!
Click “Import All Components”
A module called “Library Tutorials” should now be in the Table of Contents for your course.

You can delete the "All Library Tutorials" module once you have dragged and dropped all the content where you would like it.

The following video demonstrates Steps 1 - 9 of the import process (no audio):

Troubleshooting

Ensure the file you’re importing is still in the .zip file. Some browser extensions may automatically unzip the file, causing import issues.
If your browser unzips the file automatically, try downloading it again using Chrome or Firefox.
A website version of the module is available for alternative access.
For additional troubleshooting, reach out to us directly at research.help@viu.ca or refer to CIEL’s Importing Course Contents page.