Library Research Instruction
Statement of Objectives1

The Western Kentucky University Libraries are the primary means through which students and faculty gain access to the storehouse of organized knowledge. Thus, the libraries perform a unique and indispensable function in the educational process. The role of library instruction at Western Kentucky University is not only to provide students with the specific skills needed to complete assignments, but also to prepare individuals to make effective life?long use of information, information sources, and information systems.

Research Instruction takes place in many ways, using a variety of teaching methods. Instruction may include, but is not limited to: advising individuals at reference desks, in-depth research consultations, individualized instruction, the use of electronic or print instruction aids, or group instruction in traditional or electronic classroom settings. Faculty members may schedule research instruction for their class via e-mail

Upon completion of research instruction, students will have achieved the following objectives:

1) Students will know how to construct an approach or strategy appropriate to their discipline that will assist them in finding desired information.

2) Students will know the major sources in their discipline, both print and electronic. These sources include encyclopedias, handbooks, indexes, abstracts, and major works, regardless of format. Students will know the major databases and/or Web sites in their fields, and will understand how to search these electronic resources. Students will also understand the limitations of electronic resources, when databases are appropriate, and when print resources are appropriate.

3) Students will understand and be able to apply the concept of Boolean logic in searching for information. Students will know how to use appropriate Boolean connectors, proximity connectors, and truncation. Students will understand key word searching and will know when key word searching may be appropriate.

4) When relevant to the discipline, students will understand that some sources use controlled vocabulary and that there may be printed or online lists or thesauri which aid in the identification of these access points. Students will recognize the relationship of broader terms, narrower terms, and related terms.

5) Students will be able to recognize and apply review processes to determine whether their information source should be accepted as credible. The students will understand and recognize:

a) The importance of evaluating the author's credentials.

b) The importance of evaluating the timeliness of the information.

c) The importance of the publisher's reputation on the usefulness of the source.

d) The purpose of the author in presenting ideas, opinions, or research may in part determine the usefulness of the source.

e) The amount and type of documentation used may affect the value of a source.

f) The importance of the individual's or group's credentials. The student will be able to evaluate this information to determine the source's credibility in relation to the topic.

g) The teaching of computer research and information literacy skills is critical to our students’ success. The abilities to use computers effectively and to do research are the most important skills that employers require in the 21st Century.2

Western Kentucky University Libraries has a strong research instruction program, backed by comprehensive reference and periodicals services, to enable learning. Our research instruction not only provides students with the specific skills needed to complete assignments, but also prepares individuals to make effective lifelong use of information, information sources, and information systems. The teaching of computer research and information literacy skills is critical to our students’ success.

Western Kentucky University Libraries complies with the most recent Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Standards & Guidelines for libraries at colleges and universities granting Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

The Libraries’ research instruction program fulfills the University teaching mission, and requires the learner to use critical thinking skills, using varied and discipline-specific research instruction. Research instruction is available for all Western students, including those at the Community College. Instructional sessions are available at Helm-Cravens Library, the Kentucky Library (Special Collections), the Educational Resources Center, and the Glasgow campus.

Our Research Instruction classes are taught by professional librarians who are specialists and who have a degree related to the field being covered. The librarians utilize study guides, hands-on computer training on the electronic databases, and discussion of relevant print materials for group instruction in information searches. Research instruction includes undergraduate and graduate courses, first year seminars, and community presentations.

Library tours give a brief orientation of the Western Kentucky University Libraries. We also have available a printed Self-Directed Tour Through WKU Libraries, a Library Audio Tour which is available for checkout from the Circulation Desk, and our Library Video Tour, which is available online with streaming video.

Our Research Instruction program also includes events at the Java City coffee shop and special presentations such as “Kentucky Live,” presentations on Southern culture, and “Faraway Places,” presentations on global travel, both of which are held at the community Barnes & Noble Booksellers. We also provide training at the New Faculty Orientation every year.

Departmental Research Guides with call numbers for locating discipline-specific books in the library, applicable paper and electronic indexes, helpful reference books, a subject guide to current periodicals, departmental faculty, professional societies, and relevant web sites are online and provide outstanding teaching aids for students of various departments (WKU Libraries & Museum Topper InfoPortal Department Guides).

Finally, the librarians at Western Kentucky University, as noted, have appropriate library-related and discipline-specific education and experience for research instruction. The library also has several instructional classrooms with electronic facilities which support research instruction. Financial support is available for continuing education and training. Recently, the SMART Master’s Program for SMART Board Interactive White Boards, was offered. Also many training opportunities, such as library-related teleconferencing are arranged through the Department of Library Technical Services.

1. Revised 3/31/2000
2. Reference: Association of College & Research Libraries--Guidelines for Instruction Programs in Academic Libraries (Feb. 1997) and Model Statement of Objectives for Academic Bibliographic Instruction (Feb. 1987).