Our Library Orientation is an introduction to Ricker Library’s space, collections, and services that is often combined with at least one additional menu item. An orientation can include an in-person tour of the library, an introduction to the catalog, and an introduction to Ricker-specific materials and resources. Participants will gain a familiarity with Ricker Library’s space, collections, and services.
In addition to our tailored sessions, we have developed the following active learning exercises individualized to specific courses, majors, or subjects: Randomized Bibliography, Gizmo Activity, Sustainable Fashion Scavenger Hunt, Typeface Exercise.
Learning Outcomes
- Learners will navigate Ricker Library’s space with familiarity and ease in order to locate and identify on-topic items of interest.
- Learners will use the library’s call number system and browse the stacks in order to assess the scope and depth of the circulating collection.
- Learners will participate in an exploration exercise in order to implement tools and services specific to Ricker Library.
Session Parameters
- Session lengths range from 20 to 60 minutes.
- We require at least 1 week of advance notice for Library Orientation session requests.
We partner with faculty to implement diverse case studies, precedents, and authors into key courses in the curriculum. We identify resources and develop subject-specific guides that will help students learn the course content, while providing recommendations for self-driven pursuit of knowledge. We supply a roadmap to the library’s collections that is strategically infused with diverse and inclusive sources, case studies, and precedents for instructors and students to use as they see fit.
DIY instructional materials can inform other menu items or be adapted into new and existing library research guides. We currently maintain several working lists and research guides that reflect current curricular trends and strengths across liaison areas in the College of Fine and Applied Arts.
Learning Outcomes
- Learners will navigate Ricker Library’s space with familiarity and ease in order to locate and identify on-topic items of interest.
- Learners will use the library’s call number system and browse the stacks in order to assess the scope and depth of the circulating collection.
- Learners will participate in an exploration exercise in order to implement tools and services specific to Ricker Library.
Session Parameters
- We require at least 2 weeks of advance notice for Instruction Toolkit requests.
A Collection Highlights session, or “show-and-tell” session, is an in-person look at a curated selection of library materials tailored to a specific topic. By combining our expertise with our collaborators’ interests, we select a balanced range of resources that meet the needs of the learners and workshop participants.
By interacting directly with items exclusively available in Ricker’s vault, closed stacks, and materials collections, session participants will learn to use the library as a source of inspiration and disciplinary insight.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will know how to access Ricker Library’s Vault and Closed Stacks Collections in order to retrieve items that are on-topic and relevant.
- Students will handle sensitive Vault and Closed Stacks items in order to assess items’ contents, materials, and designs.
- Students will analyze materials as they relate to the purpose of the session or their course of study.
Session Parameters
- Session length ranges from 45 to 60 minutes.
- We require at least 2 weeks of advance notice for Collection Highlights session requests.
We are currently able to offer workshops on strategic searching, finding images online, and Ricker-specific online resources. Fill out our request form or contact us to request a workshop.
Learning Outcomes
- Learners will be able to implement subject-specific vocabulary in order to search for and identify relevant items from the library’s catalog.
- Learners will be able to develop topic-relevant vocabulary in order to search databases with maximum flexibility and effectiveness.
- Learners will be able to search a database using boolean logic and flexible vocabulary in order to retrieve articles that are on-target and topic-relevant.
]Workshop Parameters
- The length of workshops focusing on research skills can range from 45 to 60 minutes.
- We require at least 2 weeks of advance notice for research workshop requests.
Our art and design workshops include guided and hands-on tutorials in a specific technique or discipline. Materials for in-person workshops are supplied, while materials for virtual workshops may vary. While we regularly partner with faculty, student groups, and the community to host workshops, we also offer workshops that are open to the public every semester.
We are currently available to offer workshops on zines, comics, paper engineering, bookbinding, character design, and more. Fill out our request form or contact us to request a workshop.
Learning Outcomes
- Learners will implement on-topic techniques in order to design a product of their own making.
- Learners will be able to use the demonstrated techniques as a means for creative expression.
Workshop Parameters
- The length of workshops focusing on art and design skills can range from 60 to 90 minutes.
- We require at least 4 weeks of advance notice for art and design workshop requests.
We design “bespoke” workshops for specialized topics and activities that may fall outside the bounds of the above categories. A special topics workshop may center a course assignment or project, a student group’s mission, or honing a specialized skill.
Past examples include: image creation, copyright, and understanding your rights with Generative AI; finding grants for artists; Wikipedia edit-a-thon; bioplastics & banana leather; prop design for art and design students; and more.
Learning Outcomes
- Learning outcomes for workshops with special topics are tailored to the goals of the partnership.
]Workshop Parameters
- The recommended length of workshops with special topics can range from 60 to 90 minutes.
- We require at least 4 weeks of advance notice for research workshop requests.
Our librarians develop strategic partnerships for programming and engagement that may exceed the menu items listed here. Partnerships are not exclusively available to faculty and instructors in the College of Fine and Applied Arts; past partnerships have included the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, Krannert Art Museum, the iSchool, the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Champaign-Urbana Small Press Festival, and more. We also welcome partnerships with individuals and groups who are not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
Learning Outcomes
- Learning outcomes are tailored to the goals of the partnership.
Session Parameters
- Required notice for this menu item varies according to the partnership’s goals. If you are considering this menu item, please fill out our request form or contact us as soon as possible.
