This fall, the University of New Mexico (UNM) is offering a new set of interactive information literacy tutorials for faculty and instructors to help students develop essential library skills. The tutorials, created by the University Libraries’ Undergraduate Engagement Team, are intended for 100-200/1000-2000-level classes across various disciplines.
The suite consists of 19 asynchronous learning modules designed to be accessible and adaptable. Topics include an introduction to library resources, effective database searching, and using generative AI. More modules are expected to be added in the future.
Glenn Koelling, Undergraduate Engagement Coordinator, explained the development process: “We looked at what instructors were asking us to teach at this level and combined it with our disciplinary knowledge of what is appropriate for students at this level. Each tutorial went through three reviews before they were published – two faculty and one student. I’m really happy with how they turned out.”
Unlike traditional workshops that occur during class time, these tutorials can be embedded directly into course materials as needed throughout the semester. Instructors can assign them as homework assignments; each module provides a certificate of completion that students can upload to Canvas. Students may also attend in-person Research Clinics—75-minute sessions where they can discuss research assignments individually with a librarian.
This model aims to minimize redundancy and prevent information overload while making library instruction more accessible for online courses.
Amy Jankowski, director of learning, research & engagement, said: “The online information literacy tutorials help to resolve long-standing challenges around library instruction related to consistency, redundancy, capacity, and most importantly, reaching students with the right information at the right moment when they can directly apply information literacy skills in their coursework. Though some of our instruction is moving online, we have exciting plans in place to continue to build student connections with librarians and library spaces through engagement programming, consultation and reference services.”
Faculty interested in learning more about these tutorials are encouraged to schedule consultations or contact undergrads@unm.libanswers.com for further questions.
The Learning, Research, and Engagement unit within University Libraries supports UNM’s diverse community by providing instructional support and research assistance through its Undergraduate Engagement team and Graduate & Faculty Engagement team.
