Embedded Library Instruction in a First‐Year Biology Laboratory Course

The authors would like to thank Elaine Jurries, Science and Engineering Bibliographer, Auraria Library, for valuable consultation and suggestions. The authors would also like to thank all the biology laboratory course professors who participated.

Abstract

A biology professor and a science librarian collaborated to develop and embed research‐based library instruction in a new first‐year biology laboratory course. This paper describes the rationale, collaborative process, and the various aspects of the program. Assessment was done through library exercises as well as preinstruction and end‐of‐semester student surveys asking attitudinal and objective‐skills questions. Course professors were also surveyed regarding the value of the program to their students.

The authors would like to thank Elaine Jurries, Science and Engineering Bibliographer, Auraria Library, for valuable consultation and suggestions. The authors would also like to thank all the biology laboratory course professors who participated.

Keywords:

• Biology
• information literacy
• bibliographic instruction
• library instruction
• first‐year experience
• collaboration
• assessment
• surveys
• embedded

Notes

The authors would like to thank Elaine Jurries, Science and Engineering Bibliographer, Auraria Library, for valuable consultation and suggestions. The authors would also like to thank all the biology laboratory course professors who participated.