This guide was created for faculty new to UIS in order to help them get up to speed on library services and collections. Additional information can be found on our Faculty FAQ
We offer a number of ways to embed Library instruction into your courses. The below information covers the options most commonly used by UIS faculty. However, we are flexible and happy to meet your needs in whatever way we can accommodate.
Information Literacy Defined: Information Literacy is the reflective discovery and deliberate use of information. It encompasses the ability to recognize how information is created and valued, approaches research as inquiry, engages in searching as an act of strategic exploration, and thoughtfully uses and evaluates sources. It leads to effectively navigating the increasingly diverse and expanding information landscape, which is constantly adapting to an ever-changing digital environment.
Embedded Instruction:
Librarians can work with you to integrate information literacy into your classes. We are available to:
More information can be found using the link below - this includes details on our philosophical approach as well as out learning outcomes. Library Instruction Resources Guide.
Add us to your Syllabus
Even if you're not going to have a Librarian come to a class, adding a statement about the Library to your syllabi can be a huge help to your students. We've provided some suggested language:
Library Resources
Get help at your library! You can access library resources, databases, and helpful research guides from Brookens Library.
For in-depth help, please contact one of our librarians directly via email or schedule a one-on-one research consultation conducted in-person, over the phone, or online.
Feel free to use your own version to promote the specific library resources you want your students to utilize.
Workshops
The library is hosting a series of workshops this fall to help your students up research skills and get to know the library a bit better. Whether they need help getting started with their research or want to upgrade their search skills to the next level, we have a little something for everyone! If you want to offer attendance at a workshop for extra credit, we can easily track that for you. We also have workshops specifically designed for faculty.
The schedule for this fall semester can be found here: Fall 21 Library Workshops
Use the Course Reserve Form to request items.
Use the Streaming Media Request Form to make requests for converting video on physical media to streaming media for course reserves.
Note: Brookens Library has recently made a significant change to our course reserves policy (link) in that we will no longer be offering physical reserves. This decision was not made lightly; providing print course reserves is a traditional library service. However, multiple factors are converging that demonstrate that it is time to make this important switch to an electronic reserve only service.
If you have any questions about this policy, or need assistance acquiring electronic reserves for our courses, please reach out to the librarian responsible for your subject. List of Librarians by Subject
Purchases
Providing materials to support the educational mission of the university is one of the library's key roles. Any and all types of materials may be requested for purchase with the exception of course textbooks. Purchases will be considered based on availability, cost, and need.
If you need a specific book, video, or other item to support your research or teaching goals, send your request or recommendations to your Library Liaison or you can use this form for books.
Borrowing Materials From Brookens
Information on borrowing and requesting physical items from the Library can be found on this section of our Faculty FAQ.
Information on using our electronic collections can be found here.
If you have questions, please reach out to your Library Liaison.
Borrowing Materials From Other Libraries
Books from I-Share
If the book you are looking for is not owned by Brookens, or is currently checked-out, you can search for it in the I-Share system. If available, you can place requests for library materials from an I-Share library using My Library Account. You will receive an email when your items are available for pick-up at the Brookens Library main desk. The loan period for I-Share materials is 4 weeks with 3 renewals.
You can also visit one of the 80+ I-Share libraries and check out books in-person using your UIS i-card.
Need help? Watch our video on how to request books through I-Share.
Books not available from Brookens or I-Share – Interlibrary Loan Books
If the book you are looking for is not available from Brookens or any I-Share library, you can place a request using My ILL.
Need help? Watch our video on how to request books through ILL or how to request articles through ILL.
The term OER (open educational resources) describes publicly accessible materials and resources for any user to use, re-mix, improve and redistribute - usually under a creative commons license. OER materials are freely accessible, openly licensed text, media, and other digital assets that are useful for teaching, learning, and assessing as well as for research purposes.
In the Spring of 2018, UIS began an effort to lower the cost of attendance to students by lowering or eliminating the cost of course materials. This is through the replacement of textbooks and other course materials purchased by students with books, articles, and other materials licensed by the Library or Open Educational Resources (OER). Lower textbook costs have been attributed to increased access and better learning outcomes for students.
Need help?
Contact a Librarian or COLRS staff with questions or comments.
Visit the Library's OER guide for assistance in locating high quality open resources.