I HAVE RESERVATIONS: The Design and Implementation of an Online Library Instruction Form for University Faculty

Academic librarians designed an online library instruction reservation request form for faculty. The form, created using JotForm [free version] software, simplifies the process of reserving library instruction sessions and helps faculty better understand, design, and request information literacy sessions for undergraduate students. Outlining topics and specific information literacy skill sets, paired with time allocations, assists faculty in articulating those skill sets and the order of delivery to students. By eliminating the faculty’s “teach them everything they need to know about the library in one fifty minute session” expectation, this collaborative procedure encourages faculty to become active, engaged participants regarding the selection of components for the library instruction session. In doing so, the librarians have more time to demonstrate, illustrate, and allow for active participation in the session and faculty come to view library instruction as a partnership with the library staff. This interactive reservation request form equips faculty with the knowledge of the ever-changing array of tools and techniques available, which aid in fostering the components of information literacy and thereby give faculty (and ultimately students) an ever-developing skill set which they can incorporate into the research process