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University of Southern Maine
Libraries & Learning

Library Instruction Services: Home

Schedule Instruction

Research Skills

Use the:

Library Instruction Request Form
to request an instruction session.

Special Collections

Contact:
Jill Piekut Roy
jill.piekut@maine.edu
207-780-5492

Osher Map Library

Contact:
Louis Miller
louis.miller@maine.edu
207-780-4868

Franco American Collection

Contact:
Anna Faherty
anna.faherty@maine.edu
207-753-6545

Information literacy is a set of skills and habits of mind required to effectively and efficiently locate, evaluate, and use information to accomplish a specific purpose.

USM librarians work with course instructors to provide the library research instruction students need to succeed in their coursework.We work in all courses - in-person, hybrid, or online. 

What We Teach

Our instruction is guided by the Association of College and Research Librarians' (ACRL) Framework.

Frequently taught concepts include:

  • Evaluating information sources
  • Understanding different types of information sources and when each are appropriate
  • Strategically searching for information sources
  • Determining the scope of information needed
  • Persistence in searching
  • Proper attribution and citation
  • Peer review
  • Primary and secondary sources

Library Instruction Options

Librarians can:

  • Come to your course one time or several times during the semester. 
  • Create Course Guides regarding Library research specifically for your Course.
  • Provide tutorials to teach specific skills or teach concepts.
  • Embed in your course (Bright Space) making it convenient for your students.

Ask A Librarian

Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our librarians for help with research. We also have a live chat option for general questions or you can call/email us with any inquiries.