Instruction & Research

We offer instruction for classes. To schedule one, please use the Instruction Request Form, which can be found by visiting the Library Channel of MyDenison. We also offer more in-depth assistance on an individual or small group basis. The best way to start any research project it to meet with a librarian!

  • Find out what resources are available at the library.
  • Learn how to search CONSORT and OhioLINK and other catalogs of major research centers.
  • Request obscure material through Interlibrary Loans.
  • Learn how to effectively search and evaluate sources on the Internet.

Juniors considering Senior Research Projects for next year should consult with a librarian as soon as possible. You can contact any of the librarians listed below to schedule an individual Research Consultation:

Instruction A La Carte Menu

As the library's electronic resources have grown, so have the number of topics professors would like covered in library instruction sessions. But at the same time, the length of the sessions themselves has remained constant. Below is a list of the most commonly requested topics with an approximation of how long each takes to cover. We stress hands-on activities for the student, which enhances student learning and retention, but it also takes longer to conduct. While hardly set in stone, this list can help you decide which topics you want addressed in the limited time available.

Topics and Time Requirements

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list; if you would like other resources or topics addressed, we'd be happy to discuss the options with you. All courses are prepared to your individual tastes! Before creating or assigning a library project, please consult us for practical advice on developing an assignment using library resources, common problems to avoid, and alternatives to the traditional research paper.

  • Introduction and conclusion (required): 5 minutes
  • Search strategy techniques (strongly recommended): 10-15 minutes
  • Library catalogs (CONSORT & OhioLINK): 15 minutes
  • General interest databases: 15 minutes per database
  • Specialized databases: 15 minutes per database
  • Finding full text: 10-15 minutes
  • Distinguishing between popular vs scholarly journals: 15 minutes
  • Evaluating websites: 25 minutes
  • Academic integrity: 20 minutes
  • Literary criticism index: 30 minutes
  • Tour of Denison library: 20 minutes

Library instruction should be scheduled as closely as possible to the time your students start working on their projects or assignments.

Sessions are held in the library's electronic classroom, which allows students to learn in a hands-on environment. Please note that the new location of the electronic classroom is on Level B in Room B01. A librarian can also come to your classroom to offer instruction.

To schedule an instruction session, contact your liaison librarian well in advance (at least a week) to have a better chance of getting the dates and times you would like. We tend to be very busy at the beginning of the semester.