Instructional Services

The library instruction program at Ryerson University is multi-faceted and is designed to promote and foster student success through information literacy, which is the ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use the needed information effectively and ethically.

Through a variety of classes and workshops, the library instruction program focuses on the development of research skills and examines the vast number of information resources available through the library.

The Library is equipped with a teaching classroom and two computer labs for instruction and offers the following workshops:

Subject Oriented Classes

These highly recommended, comprehensive sessions focus on equipping students with research and information literacy skills that will help them to complete successful assignments in a specific course or program. The library sessions are arranged by the faculty member/instructor through their subject librarian . Sessions can be offered as single or multiple classes and must be a minimum of one hour in length and can include a library tour if desired. Librarians will gladly work with instructors on the development or tailoring of assignments that make maximum use of the Library's resources. Faculty may contact their subject librarian to schedule a session.

Drop-in Workshops

These hour-long workshops are offered during the fall and winter terms. Each workshop focuses on a particular aspect of library use or research, for example, catalogue searching, database searching, or finding periodicals. The sessions are scheduled at different times throughout the week and students do not need to sign up for them. Note that the Drop-in Workshops serve as an introduction to a specific resource or service and are not meant to replace the Subject-oriented sessions described above. A Drop-in Workshop Schedule is now available.

Advanced Research Skills Workshops

These sessions are specifically designed for the research needs of upper year students, graduate students and research assistants who have begun their thesis or research under the direction of their professor. Subject Librarians will work with students individually or in small groups. Sessions are generally one hour in length and additional sessions can be arranged if needed. Faculty or students may contact their subject librarian to schedule a session.

Faculty Focus Workshops

The Library offers hands-on sessions for all Ryerson faculty who are interested in learning about information resources that support their courses and research. Librarians will also work with faculty in the development of research assignments for students that make maximum use of the Library's resources. Please contact your subject librarian for an appointment.

For more information on the Library Instruction Program, please contact:

Don Kinder
Instructional Services Librarian
dkinder@ryerson.ca
416-979-5000, ext 6899