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.

Instructional Services

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 at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

Instructional Support for Faculty and Teaching Assistants

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 appropriate subject specialists in advance.

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.

References

ACRL (2004). "Introduction to Information Literacy." Association of College and Research Libraries. Available: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/issues/infolit/overview/intro/index.cfm (Accessed 15 June 2009).