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1. What is TRAILS?
2. What kind of instruction is available?
3. Who can request instruction sessions?
4. Who provides the instruction?
5. When should Library instruction occur?
6. How many sessions should I schedule for my class?
7. How do I schedule a session?
8. Where does instruction occur?
9. What do I need to do to prepare?
10. What is my role during the session?
11. Additional questions about TRAILS and Library instruction?
    

1. What is TRAILS?

TRAILS (stands for Teaching Research and Information Literacy Skills) is a program designed to help students develop skills in finding, using, and evaluating information. Faculty may request instruction sessions through TRAILS to support their courses. TRAILS sessions address a variety of learning needs relating to conducting research and are framed according to defined learning outcomes based on the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education provided by the Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL). TRAILS, operated through the Syracuse University Library Instructional Services Program, serves as an enhancement to the Library's traditional instruction program. See About TRAILS for more information.

2. What kind of instruction is available?

The TRAILS Program offers a wide range of resources and services aimed at assisting students, faculty, and staff in locating, assessing, and using information for research and lifelong learning. These include orientation sessions and tours, instruction in the use of the Library and its resources (e.g., presentations, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and print and web-based instructional materials), consultation in course design, and faculty training. Instructors often request instruction sessions combining demonstration of Library resources with hands-on searching during which students find relevant research materials.

Sessions can focus on a variety of topics related to research and information skills. See the TRAILS menu for suggested topics based on defined learning outcomes. As you plan a session, you will work with the library instructor to ensure that the session best meets your students' needs and your course goals and objectives.

3. Who can request instruction sessions?

Any faculty member or course instructor (including teaching assistants) may request Library instruction.

4. Who provides the instruction?

Instruction is provided by librarians and Library staff at Syracuse University Library who participate in instructional activities as part of their job duties. Many librarians specialize in specific subject areas and teach sessions for classes in that discipline whenever possible (see the list of library subject specialists). All instruction librarians are qualified to teach sessions for lower level courses that involve a general introduction to resources and research strategies.

5. When should Library instruction occur?

A Library instruction session should be scheduled at a time when students will find the information most relevant. For instance, instruction will be most effective if students are engaged in a research project and have a clear understanding of the assignment requirements.

6. How many sessions should I schedule for my class?

The number and duration of sessions is tailored to meet your instructional needs. Sessions can range from very brief general library tours and online resource orientations to instructional activities that are more closely integrated with course goals and objectives throughout the semester (see TRAILS menu). It is sometimes helpful to schedule multiple sessions (e.g., whereby a librarian offers an initial research orientation and then returns for one or more follow-up sessions). You may choose this approach in order to assist your students in using a wide range of information resources and assess their progress as they explore complex research questions.

7. How do I schedule a session?

To schedule an instruction session, please call the Library Instructional Services Office at 443-2730 or fill out the web form. If you prefer to work with a specific librarian, feel free to contact that person directly. NOTE: Requests should be made at least two weeks before the preferred session date. This will allow adequate time to assign a librarian, schedule a room and equipment, and prepare sufficiently for the session. We will do our best to accommodate requests made in under two weeks.

8. Where does instruction occur?

Instruction can occur in one of the SU Libraries or in a classroom or computer cluster. E.S. Bird Library offers a variety of meeting rooms as well as an electronic training classroom (ETC). The ETC, located in room 046, includes 15 computer workstations and is used for sessions that include a hands-on computer component. This room is shared with Information Technology and Services. Instructors may indicate room preference when placing the original instruction request, and we will do our best to accommodate these preferences.

9. What do I need to do to prepare?

It is important to engage in discussion with the librarian teaching the class prior to the scheduled session. Librarians work closely with course instructors to customize sessions so that they best meet the course and students' needs. Instructors should provide the librarian with the following information: course assignment details, potential research topics, students' level of experience using Library resources, and any specific concepts you'd like covered (see TRAILS menu ).

10. What is my role during the session?

Course instructors play an important and active role during Library instruction sessions. We encourage instructors to emphasize important information during the session and to reinforce concepts during course discussions and activities after the session.

11. Additional questions about TRAILS and Library instruction?

• Abby Kasowitz-Scheer (x1943; askasowi@syr.edu), Head of Instructional Services
• Susan Miller (x2091, smmiller@syr.edu), Instructional Services Specialist
• Julie Belle (x2730, jabelle@syr.edu), Library Technician

Instructional Services Program
Syracuse University Library
Room 100, Bird Library

We look forward to working with you!