University of Houston-Downtown, W.I. Dykes Library, One Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 Need an Answer? Ask a Librarian!
 

Library Instruction

Reservations

 

Mission and Services

Our mission is to promote information literacy so that our students succeed in meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing information-based society. We are committed to educating our users to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically to meet their educational needs. Thus, we offer instruction on library and research skills at all levels through a variety of services:

  • Library tour - A 15-minute walking tour that covers the library layout, holdings, and services.
  • Course-related instruction - We provide “one-shot” sessions for specific courses and assignments.
  • Individuals and small groups - We can provide instruction to individuals and small groups upon request.
  • Course-integrated instruction - We can collaborate with faculty to integrate information literacy skills and library instruction for classes with significant research components. This can include lectures, learning activities, out-of-class assignments, and short sessions throughout the semester. Team teaching is welcome and encouraged. We can also “embed” librarians in online courses.
  • Library-related assignments - We can collaborate in reviewing and developing library-related assignments.
  • Subject guides and pathfinders - Please contact us and let us create something special for your classes.

 

How to Schedule a Library Instruction Session

  • You can schedule a class online (library instruction form).
  • We can schedule a class with 1 full week’s notice (5 business days) during long semesters and 3 business days during summer sessions. Please schedule early to ensure availability of a librarian, access to an instruction room, and preparation of materials.
  • Please submit a copy of your syllabus and instructions for any relevant assignment(s). Library sessions are most effective when scheduled to coincide with a research assignment.
  • Classes are also most effective when students have chosen their topic(s) before the library session.
  • Faculty must be present with their class during the library session.
  • We can provide instruction in our classrooms, or we can come to your room (if your room has a computer and a projector).

 

Library Instruction Rooms - Use Policy

The library instruction rooms, S-505E (Instruction Room 1) and S-505C (Instruction Room 2) are dedicated to educating UHD students and members of the academic community on the use of the library and its services.

  • Library instruction classes get first priority in scheduling.
  • Library-related meetings, demonstrations, and workshops can be scheduled, but they are subject to cancellation or rescheduling to accommodate library instruction classes.
  • Classes that do not include a library-provided instructional component will not be scheduled. For instructors needing a room for a class, Enrollment Services handles electronic classroom reservations for the Academic Computing Lab (ACL). Instructors can make a reservation through their department.
  • Non-library functions are not normally scheduled in the library instruction rooms. Any special circumstances are subject to approval by the Instruction Librarian or the Executive Director of Library Services.