ABOUT TRAILS
Post-Instruction Feedback Form
What is TRAILS?
The TRAILS Program provides instructional services to assist all Syracuse University students in developing information literacy skills, or the "set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information" (ACRL, 2004). Information literacy emphasizes the teaching of critical thinking skills involving the use of information instead of solely focusing on specific information resources and technologies. TRAILS is operated through the Syracuse University Library Instructional Services Program.
Instructional Services
1. Sessions and Tours: Library staff are available to provide general orientations and tours as well as sessions on Library resources and services, online research databases, the research process, and subject-specific collections and research skills. Faculty and course instructors can choose from a list of sessions (see the TRAILS menu) or request other types of sessions that best support course goals. All sessions are customized to the specific needs of classes based on consultation between librarians and course instructors. Sessions can include presentations, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and/or discussions.
Syracuse University Library offers tours throughout the academic year, primarily at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. The schedule is announced on the Workshops and Tours page each semester. Also, see the Syracuse University Library Virtual Tour.
See Classes/Tours for more information on scheduling instruction sessions and Library tours.
2. Web Guides/Tutorials: Librarians can work with course instructors to develop web-based resources to support course activities. For examples of past projects, see Course Materials.3. Credit course (IST 200): The Library, in collaboration with IST, provides a 2-credit course to assist undergraduates in developing strategies to help them navigate the many types of information resources available to them through readings, discussions, hands-on assignments, guest speakers, and projects. The course is geared towards first-year students. The course was first offered in Fall 2005 and is offered again in Fall 2006.
Instructional Support for Faculty and Teaching Assistants
1. Designing courses and assignments: Librarians can help course instructors integrate information literacy skills into the curriculum. When class assignments require extensive use of library materials, it is essential for faculty to communicate with the Head of Instructional Services or the appropriate subject librarian in advance.
2. Training on Library Resources and Information Literacy Instruction: The Library offers group training sessions to faculty, teaching assistants, and other course instructors in information resources and information literacy concepts in order to support teaching and learning.
3. Integrating Library Resources into Blackboard and WebCT: The Syracuse University Library offers an extensive collection of research databases and electronic journals that can be used to supplement your online courses and course web sites. See Courseware and Library Resources for training and support for the seamless integration of these information resources into a courseware package such as Blackboard or WebCT. Contact Abby Kasowitz-Scheer for assistance.
Publications
The Library provides a variety of informational and instructional handouts available online and in print throughout the Library. Topics include hours of service, maps of library locations, descriptions of services, and how-to guides. The Library also publishes a "Welcome to the Library" guidebook outlining many of the Library's key services for students.
Services to Visitors
Individuals who are not Syracuse University students, faculty or staff are welcome to use the Library. However, instructional services for nonaffiliated groups are limited to general library tours or information sessions. These services are offered only when Syracuse University is not in session, and must be scheduled well in advance of the instruction date. Please refer to the Library's Visitors' Guide for additional information pertaining to services available to nonaffiliated groups.
ACRL (2004). "Introduction to Information Literacy." Association of College and Research Libraries. Available: http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlissues/acrlinfolit/infolitoverview/introtoinfolit/introinfolit.htm (Accessed 22 July 2005).
