Library Session for First Year Writing Seminars

in the College of Arts and Science

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is a library session included in First Year Writing Seminars (FYWS)?
2. Isn't there a library session for first years in their Vanderbilt Visions program?
3. I talk about library resources in my class. Do I still need to bring my students to the library?
4. What are my options for the type of library session?
5. How do I schedule my library session?
6. When is the best time during the semester to schedule a library session for my students?
7. Do I need to attend the session?
8. The last time I taught a writing seminar, I worked with a librarian at another library (not Central or Science & Engineering). Can I still work with that librarian?
9. What if I have questions. Who can I talk with?
10. Additional Resources for First Year Writing Seminar Instructors

1. Why is a library session included in First Year Writing Seminars (FYWS)?

As a result of the final report recommendations of the Curriculum Revision Work Group (Dec. 2003, approved by the Faculty in the College of Arts & Science Feb. 2004), one of the FYWS requirements is that "all seminars shall introduce first year students to literature research, including library and database orientation, experience with critical evaluation of the validity, relevance, and significance of source material obtained through literature searches, and instruction regarding the proper citation of source materials."

The library session will introduce your students to many of these concepts. For instructors that have assignments with research components, librarians can tailor the library session to make sure students are introduced to resources that support their assignment(s).

Full report of the Curriculum Revision Work Group (pdf document)

FYWS Writing Requirements (pdf document)

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2. Isn't there a library session for first years in their Vanderbilt Visions program?

Last fall (2007), all first year students attended a Vanderbilt Visions session that introduced students to library resources on campus and addressed the basic differences between high-school and college level research.

This year there is no library oriented Vanderbilt Visions general session that all students will attend.

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3. I talk about library resources in my class. Do I still need to bring my students to the library?

Librarians feel that one of the most important components of the library session for FYWS is bringing students to the library. Many students making the transition from high school to college are overwhelmed by the variety of resources now available to them in a college environment. Bringing them to the library can help reduce any library anxiety first year students may feel.

At Vanderbilt, the Library gets consistent feedback from students that they want a formal introduction to the library research process, ideally tied to a class they are taking. Additionally, introducing students to librarians as people who are here to help them during their academic careers can be a big step towards ensuring their long-term success at Vanderbilt.

For more information about library anxiety, see: Van Scoyoc, Anna M. "Reducing Library Anxiety in first year Students: The Impact of Computer-Assisted Instruction and Bibliographic Instruction", Reference & User Services Quarterly 42 no4 329-41 Summ 2003.

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4. What are my options for the type of library session?

There are three basic options for a library session.

A) Introduction to Library Research Resources - This library session will give a hands-on introduction to library research skills, as well as cover other topics such as how to tell the difference between a popular and scholarly work and general plagiarism/citation information.

B) Introduction to Academic Research Skills - This is the same basic library orientation as Option A, but will use in-class exercises to provide more detailed instruction in research skills and the use of online resources students might use in the discipline of the course. Faculty are welcome to suggest databases they feel their students might find useful.

C) Assignment Specific Tutorial - This session will provide a basic library and research skills orientation (including plagiarism/citation information), but will be tailored to a course assignment or assignments. A librarian will consult with the instructor to make sure the session covers resources students need to successfully complete their assignments.

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5. How do I schedule my library session?

You may either use the FYWS Library Session registration form, or you may contact Amy Stewart-Mailhiot at amy.stewart-mailhiot@vanderbilt.edu or your subject librarian.

Please make sure to request a session at least 2 weeks in advance of your class session, and by mid-semester so we might better accommodate your scheduling request.

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6. When is the best time during the semester to schedule a library session for my students?

If you prefer a general orientation rather than an assignment-specific session, you may schedule a library session at any time during the semester.

If you are scheduling an Assignment Specific Tutorial, the best time to schedule the library session will be when the students are thinking about their assignment. Depending upon the type of assignment, this is generally within 2-3 weeks of the due date.

Feel free to contact Amy Stewart-Mailhiot, amy.stewart-mailhiot@vanderbilt.edu or (32)2-6734, if you are unsure about the best time to schedule your library session.

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7. Do I need to attend the session?

It is strongly recommended that you attend the session, if at all possible. When the instructor attends the class session, this sends students the signal that the library research session is important to their learning. During assignment specific sessions, there are often questions that students have that only the instructor can answer. While the librarians refer the students to their instructors in these instances, it can help to have the question answered immediately and authoritatively.

Additionally, since there are interactive portions of the library session, attending may give you insight into areas where students might need reinforcement in regards to their writing and research skills.

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8. The last time I taught a writing seminar, I worked with a librarian at another library (not Central or Science & Engineering). Can I still work with that librarian?

If you worked with a particular librarian the last time you taught a writing seminar, we will contact that librarian to see about the possibilities of co-teaching the library session. This way we can ensure that A&S students are having a common experience for their library session.

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9. What if I have questions. Who can I talk with?

If you have any questions about the library session or how to best utilize library resources for your assignment(s), you may contact Amy Stewart-Mailhiot at (32)2-6734 or amy.stewart-mailhiot@vanderbilt.edu. She will answer your questions and/or refer you to the appropriate subject librarian, as necessary.

Additionally, you may wish to consult with the Writing Studio.

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