Library 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. They can partner with instructors to design instruction tailored to students and courses.

Information literacy (or digital literacy), which is one of the pillars in VIU’s Graduate Attributes, and refers to “the ability to find and critically evaluate relevant information and its sources, and to synthesize the information with existing knowledge.” Learn about VIU's Graduate Attributes.

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, contact the Library to request a custom instruction session at research.help@viu.ca.

  • 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 specific research tasks.
  • We aim to focus on 1–3 key learning outcomes per session to avoid information overload.

Librarians provide foundational research skills instruction for first-year courses as part of the Degree English Requirement (DER). The Library’s support in the DER program ensures that most first-year students receive information literacy instruction efficiently and without redundancy. For non-DER first-year courses, please confirm whether students have had prior library instruction so we can build on existing knowledge. Read more about the Partnership between English and Library faculty and their recommendations for DER library instruction.

Typical learning outcomes include: 

  • Identifying core library services, spaces and/or supports available to meet students' needs.
  • Navigating library tools and digital platforms to find and access sources.
  • Understanding research as an iterative process, and applying strategies to refine search terms, filter results and adjust topics.
  • Additional topics by request, such as:
    • Evaluating information critically in context
    • Refining research questions
    • Identifying algorithmic impacts, bias and inclusive voices
    • Citing sources appropriately using disciplinary standards
    • Building critical AI literacy

Designed for discipline-specific research needs. Liaison librarians can collaborate with instructors to align instruction with the course’s outcomes. Contact your subject liaison librarian to learn more about tailored support.

Typical learning outcomes may include: 

  • Understanding the creation and dissemination of information in their discipline.
  • Developing and refining focused research questions iteratively based on findings.
  • Identifying subject-specific databases and terminology for effective searches.
  • Continuing to evaluate information sources/tools critically in context (authority, relevance, bias, purpose, etc.).
  • Citing sources appropriately using disciplinary standards.
  • Refining research questions.
  • Critically evaluating and apply AI tools ethically in research.
  • Identifying algorithmic impacts, bias, and inclusive voices.

Advanced instruction for upper-level or graduate courses, focusing on research practices, scholarly publishing, and ethics. Liaison librarians can collaborate with instructors to align instruction with program goals. Contact your subject liaison librarian to learn more about tailored support.

Typical learning outcomes may include:

  • Formulating a research question addressing a gap in disciplinary knowledge.
  • Evaluating and synthesizing information from multiple sources (e.g., literature reviews).
  • Designing and conducting original research aligned with disciplinary methods.
  • Understanding knowledge production, publication, and dissemination processes in their field with the aim of contributing to scholarly conversation.
  • Recognizing predatory journals and practicing ethical research.
  • Reflecting on biases and incorporating diverse, inclusive perspectives into their work when applicable.
  • Critically evaluating and applying AI tools ethically in research.
  • Managing citations effectively using tools like Zotero.
  • Organizing and sharing research data ethically and responsibly.
  • Developing and managing a scholarly research identity.
  • Familiarizing with copyright and ethical research guidelines in their discipline.

The Library Skills Tutorial is an interactive, self-paced tutorial designed to help students build foundational research skills. The full tutorial takes about one hour to complete and can be used flexibly within your course. Librarians are available to help you integrate the tutorial effectively into your course. There are several ways you to go about integrating: assigning before or after a library instruction session to reinforce learning; embedding specific modules at key points in the research process; or using as a stand-alone resource or alongside course assignments.

Modules include:

  • Getting started with a research topic
  • Developing and refining research questions
  • Searching effectively (including subject-specific databases)
  • Evaluating information
  • Accessing research and citation support
  • Final quiz

How to use:

  • Direct students to the open course in VIULearn (search “Library Skills Tutorial” under Discover), or
  • Import all or selected modules into your course (more information below)

Importing into VIULearn

Download the tutorial as a course package (last update: August 2026) and import it into your VIULearn course. Leave the file unzipped or unopened and upload as is. Use Chrome or Firefox for best results. 

For troubleshooting help:

The Critical AI Literacy Tutorial is an interactive, self-paced tutorial designed to help students develop critical skills for evaluating and using AI tools responsibly in academic work. The full tutorial (as of September 2026 update) takes about one hour to complete and can be used flexibly within your course. Librarians are available to help you integrate the tutorial effectively into your course. You can also request a library instruction session to target some of the following aspects of critical AI literacy.

Modules include:

  • Lesson One: What You Need to Know (Available)
  • Lesson Two: Evaluating Generative AI Tools and Outputs (Future release - a short segment is partially available in Lesson One
  • Lesson Three: Using Generative AI Tools (Future release) 
  • Lesson Four: Impacts of AI (Future release - a short segment on ethics partially available in Lesson One; two themed segments on mental health and environment available as of June 2026) 

The tutorial is still in development, with additional lessons released over time. Learn more about how this project came together.

How to use:

  • Direct students to the open course in VIULearn (search “Critical AI Literacy Tutorial” under Discover), or
  • Import all or selected modules into your course (more information below)

 

Importing into VIULearn

Download the tutorial as a course package (last update: September 2026) and import it into your VIULearn course. Leave the file unzipped or unopened and upload as is. Use Chrome or Firefox for best results. 

For troubleshooting help:

A brief tour/orientation (15-20 minutes) to the librarian, library spaces, and/or website. This session is often combined with longer instruction sessions. It can also include an introduction to the Writing Centre and International Academic Support services by request.

Librarians also offer a range of flexible support options:

Online learning:


Assignment design: 

  • Librarians can collaborate with faculty to integrate information literacy skills into course assignments
  • Design scaffolded assignments that build research skills 


Research consultations: 


Outreach and presentations:

  • Available for departments, high schools, and non-course groups for tours, presentations or library-related events.  To request a tour or presentation, email us at library@viu.ca