Services Offered

Instructional Services provides instruction and user orientation for Ball State University classes and other groups. Instruction sessions are conducted in one of two electronic classrooms, located in Bracken Library, offering hands-on experience with library resources. In addition, independent tours can be taken by groups and individuals by using a printed self-guided tour produced by Instructional Services. The tour covers all five levels of Bracken Library. A librarian-guided tour can be arranged in rare special circumstances.

Eligible Groups

Orientation and instruction sessions are offered to classes, groups, and individuals at Ball State University. Orientations are also provided to community and area civic groups, high schools, colleges, and vocational schools.

Instruction sessions are designed to meet specific course assignment objectives. Subject-specific research tools and techniques are introduced and explained within this context. Librarians can also provide assistance with the design of effective research assignments. Faculty and instructors are encouraged to work with instruction librarians when planning instruction that involves library use.

Workshops

Workshops for Ball State faculty, staff, and students are held each semester covering topics such as effectively searching and evaluating information on the Internet, as well as workshops on searching the Libraries online catalog and more specialized library resources.

Scheduling

Instruction and orientation sessions are scheduled through Instructional Services at least two weeks in advance in order to accommodate class demands and to provide sufficient preparation time. Sessions are offered whenever Ball State classes are regularly scheduled. Written confirmation of scheduled sessions is provided. Call (765) 285-8017 to schedule a session. You can also request a session using our online request forms.

Quick Tips for Scheduling

Call Instructional Services at least two weeks in advance (one week during summer sessions). When you call you will be asked for some information about your class and your students' instructional needs, including the following:

• How many students will attend?
• Are there any students with special needs?
• Is there an assignment related to the library instruction? (The session will be considerably more effective if the students need to use the library for an assignment.)
• What are some examples of topics that the students either are planning to research or might find interesting? (Students' topics will be used during demonstrations of library resources.)

Library Publications

A wide variety of printed materials, such as bibliographies, library guides, and instruction materials, are available in the Instructional Services office and at the Reference Desk. Consult the Instructional Services' online publications list to see the variety of publications offered.

For further information regarding these services or publications, contact Instructional Services at (765) 285-8017.