Library Guides @ VIU: Library Instruction: Instruction Services

VIU Library’s instruction services support the teaching, learning, and research goals of the university. Librarians are educators with expertise in information literacy and can partner with instructors to provide tailored instruction that meets the needs of your students and courses.

Library instruction is available in flexible formats, aligned with your assignments and learning outcomes. Below, you’ll find an overview of instruction formats, typical learning outcomes, and additional supports. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, reach out to us to explore options for a custom session.

Library instruction is available in in-person or online formats.
Flexible formats include:
- One-time sessions (e.g., orientation or assignment-specific)
- Multiple sessions (e.g., scaffolded research skills over a term)
Instruction is most effective when tied to a specific assignment and offered at the point of need, when students are actively engaging with research tasks.
We focus on 1–3 key learning outcomes per session to support student success and avoid information overload.

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Instruction Types and Learning Outcomes

We offer a variety of session types tailored to your course and student needs. Below are examples of our instruction options and their typical learning outcomes:

Orientation/Tour

A brief introduction (10–15 minutes) to the librarian, library spaces, and/or website. Often combined with longer library sessions. This could be combined with an Introduction to the Writing Centre/International Academic Support services by request.

Click to view: Typical learning outcomes

Identify ways to get assistance from the library.
Identify core library services, spaces, and supports available to meet their needs.

Introductory research skills / Degree English Requirement (DER)

Foundational research skills instruction tailored for first-year courses as part of the Degree English Requirement. The Library’s support in the DER program ensures that most first-year students participate in information literacy instruction without redundancy. Read more about the partnership goals and recommendations.

Click to view: Typical learning outcomes

Identify core library services, spaces and/or supports available to meet their needs.
Navigate library tools and digital platforms to find and access sources.
Understand research as an iterative process, and apply strategies to refine search terms, filter results and adjust topics.
Additional topics by request, such as:
- Evaluating information critically in context
- Research question refinement
- Algorithmic impacts and bias identification
- Inclusive voices
- Citation practices

Liaison / Subject-specific instruction

Designed for discipline-specific research needs. Liaison librarians can collaborate with instructors to align instruction with the course’s outcomes.

Click to view: Possible learning outcomes

Understand the creation and dissemination of information in their discipline.
Develop and refine focused research questions iteratively based on findings.
Identify subject-specific databases and terminology for effective searches.
Continue to evaluate information sources/tools critically in context (authority, relevance, bias, purpose, etc.).
Cite sources appropriately using disciplinary standards (shared between instructor, the writing centre, and library).
Additional topics by request, such as:
- Research question refinement
- Critically evaluate and apply AI tools ethically in research
- Algorithmic impacts
- Bias identification and inclusive voices

Graduate-level instruction

Advanced instruction for graduate students, focusing on research practices, scholarly publishing, and ethics. Liaison librarians can collaborate with instructors to align instruction with program goals.

Click to view: Possible learning outcomes

Formulate a research question addressing a gap in disciplinary knowledge.
Evaluate and synthesize information from multiple sources (e.g., literature reviews).
Design and conduct original research aligned with disciplinary methods.
Understand knowledge production, publication, and dissemination processes in their field with the aim of contributing to scholarly conversation.
Recognize predatory journals and practice ethical research.
Reflect on biases and incorporate diverse, inclusive perspectives into their work when applicable.
Critically evaluate and apply AI tools ethically in research.
Manage citations effectively using tools like Zotero.
Organize and share research data ethically and responsibly.
Develop and manage a scholarly research identity.
Familiarize with copyright and ethical research guidelines in their discipline.

Additional Support Services

Librarians also offer a range of asynchronous, individualized or other support options:

Online learning

VIULearn module: self-paced, interactive tutorial that instructors can embed into courses and includes a final quiz
Library guides: available by subject or can be tailored to course-specific needs
Video tutorials: ready-made resources for specific library skills

Assignment design
Librarians can collaborate with faculty to:

Integrate information literacy skills into targeted points in course syllabi
Co-create effective scaffolded assignments that build research skills

Research consultations
Personalized, one-on-one or small groups support for students during class time or outside during library research help availability.

Outreach and presentations
Available for departments, high schools, and non-course groups for tours, presentations or library-related events. For more information, contact library@viu.ca