Library Instruction

Library instruction for students enhances their understanding of Steely resources and services and develops the information skills necessary for academic and career success. We use the acronym GEAR to frame our library learning outcomes:  

• Gather information using reflective exploration 
• Evaluate the credibility, limitations, and perspectives of information 
• Apply information through scoping, synthesis, and sense-making  
• Respect information as consumers and creators of ideas and artifacts 

We partner with faculty in a variety of ways to reach students online or on campus, including classroom instruction, the development of online materials, or one-on-one research support.  

Request curricular instruction

Steely Library works directly with instructors in their courses to provide students with timely support. Our curricular instruction options include: 

• Information literacy instruction: Students meet with a librarian in Steely or online to learn research skills and knowledge relevant to their course and broader discipline. 
• Makerspace instruction: Students can learn about maker technologies in Stego Studio and use our technology to iterate and create projects for a course. 
• Archival instruction: Students can learn about the importance of historical context in analyzing primary sources, do hands-on work with unique archival materials, and learn about the value in “reading against the grain” for a holistic understanding of a text. To schedule a session, reach out to archives@nku.edu.

Request other instruction opportunities

Steely Library also supports student learning in ways beyond a classroom instruction session. NKU instructors can: 

• Request a learning object: We collaborate with NKU faculty to create new content that will help our students learn a new skill or navigate a resource. If you have an idea for a video, Canvas module, or research guide, please let us know by using our Online Learning Object Request Form.  
• Request a workshop: Students workshops are offered each semester on various topics and open to anyone; see our MyEngagement page for details. If you’d like a workshop provided during your class time, reach out to library@nku.edu.   
• Recommend to your students that they schedule a personalized research consultation with a Steely librarian. 

Embed our instructional resources

NKU instructors can also directly embed Steely resources into Canvas courses and create information literacy focused assignments to help students gain this essential skill. 

• Steely Library has a broad collection of instructional videos that you can embed into your Canvas courses. Browse our Steely Library Instruction Videos collection and visit our How do I embed library videos into Canvas? FAQ if you need help embedding them into your course. 
• The GEAR Repository is a collection of learning outcomes, sample assignments, and activity ideas to incorporate GEAR-aligned resources into courses.