Skip to main content
The Library The Library
  1. HOME
  2. Get Help
  3. Request Library Instruction Guidelines

Request Library Instruction

The Library works collaboratively with course instructors and other partners to create learning solutions that address the varied experiences and needs of users as consumers and creators within a complex socio-information world.

We provide expertise in helping users find information and in helping them analyze and use information as thoughtful and ethical consumers and creators.

Our instruction works best when addressing a need, such as a research assignment or lab project, and when the library instructor has sufficiently advanced notice, preferably a minimum of two weeks.

We offer:

  • Course-integrated instruction (tied to a specific course or series of courses; offered synchronously or not)
  • Online instructional materials (video tutorials, course guides, etc.) for self-directed learning or course-integrated instruction support
  • Consultations or ongoing projects to collaboratively design assignments and embed information literacy into a curriculum
  • Research-integrated instruction to lab groups, project groups, REUs, etc. Workshops on specific topics (EndNote, Github, OpenRefine, ArcGIS, etc.)

Contacts:

Helpful to include:

  • Your syllabus or curriculum
  • Information on the research projects students will be working on, including how they fit into your course, lab, workshop, etc.
  • A range of dates and times, preferably no sooner than 2 weeks from today, for instruction requests
    Your desired location, if requesting an in-person instruction or a workshop. The Library has five designated, reservable spaces for library instruction. We are also happy to meet in your instruction space or over Zoom
  • Whether (without violating student confidentiality) any specific accommodations should be planned for

Information on this page is for faculty, TAs, PIs, or others requesting instruction from a librarian. If you are seeking assistance with a research project, please make an appointment using our research consultation page or drop by in person. Writing Program students are encouraged to make a Writing Program consultation appointment.

K-12 instruction requests:

K-12 classes are generally welcome to visit the UC San Diego Library. Library staff will work with you to arrange a visit that aligns with your goals.

If your school has a credentialed Teacher Librarian or library technician on staff, we highly recommend that this person help plan and attend the visit.

Use of UC San Diego Library materials

Anyone, including K-12 students, may use UC San Diego Library materials for research and school projects.

  • Borrowing materials is generally not possible for minors unless the student works with their public library to request materials through Circuit
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult, either as part of a chaperoned class or with a guardian

Due to space limitations, field trips are limited to groups of 35 including chaperones.

Scheduling an Instruction Session

Tours should be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance and may be scheduled up to 4 months in advance. When requesting an information literacy session with a UC San Diego librarian, please provide details about the course or assignment. A session depends on librarian availability and suitability of the material and age group.

Preferred times for K-12 visits are between our academic quarters or during the last 2-3 weeks of a quarter, as these are times when the Library has more availability. For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact Lisa Martin.

Other Things to do on Campus

Campus tours
Stuart Collection (UC San Diego’s extensive public art collection)
Birch Aquarium

See Also