 |
 |
.gif)
The Social Work Library (SWL) integrates library instruction into the School of Social Work's new student orientation activities, in foundation courses and in several advanced research courses. We take a structured approach to establishing information literacy competencies across the social work curriculum. Social workers need to access professional literature in many disciplines, and to evaluate, manage, and retrieve information from a variety of library and Internet sources. Outcomes of class assignments are often enhanced by a library-related component. Current library instruction modules and related guides are available on the library's Research Rescue page.
What does library instruction cover?
The SWL staff offer online-based NOVICE
Orientation content for all incoming MSW students, employing the Undergraduate
Library's SearchPath research
tutorial as the core content. The complete orientation content introduces students
to the U-M information environment, including the catalog, research databases,
the Social Work Library home page, APA
citation style, e-journals, e-mail, and Wolverine Access.
We also offer a hands-on Evidence-based Practice Orientation from June through September on Wednesday afternoons.
Building on the competencies learned with the orientation-related web pages and tutorials, we introduce in the research process, appropriate search strategies, and how to find full-text articles and documents to students in SW 530. Defining the information need, interpreting the information, and evaluating the sources are key goals in this course with a focus on policy research. In SW 560, students learn to use the U.S. Census and other statistical data sets and publications to conduct a community needs assessment.
Other course-integrated workshops can be scheduled throughout the year according to curriculum content, and the availability of instructors, computer lab facilities, and teaching equipment. The content of these workshops can include, but are not limited to, legislative analysis, grant writing resources, locating tests and measures, international social work, and policy resources (drug, mental health, etc.). For an overview of the information literacy competencies library staff incorporate into the MSW curriculum, see the library's Information Literacy Competencies page.
In addition we offer online-based Information Literacy Competencies for Professional Social Workers (Exit strategies and continuing professional development for SSW alums).
Can a workshop be requested?
Yes, SWL staff welcome requests for course-related or course-integrated workshops.
In the event of scheduling conflicts, priority for instructional requests
is given to School of Social Work faculty.
How much advance notice is required to request a course-related workshop?
SWL requires at least two-weeks advance notice to teach a curriculum integrated
workshop in order for handouts and specialized bibliographies to be prepared,
and to reserve appropriate teaching space if necessary.
Who should be contacted to request a course-related workshop?
Workshops may be requested by contacting Sally Haines (slawler@umich.edu, 734/647-1903). Additionally, a request may be
sent via e-mail to Social Work Library Staff at social.work.library@umich.edu.
Where are workshops held?
Workshops are taught in the SSWB Computer
Classroom (B696), in the School
of Education, in the Library Instruction Lab 4059 Shapiro Science Library,
in the Shapiro Undergraduate
Library, and in the Faculty
Exploratory in the Hatcher Graduate Library, as well as other classrooms.
Are workshops evaluated?
Yes, the opportunity for clientele to provide feedback on workshops is important
to library instructors. Class participants will be asked to complete a short
evaluation form to be handed in at the end of each instructional session.
Converted by Jamie Nielsen 9/18/07
Content last updated on: 29 July 2007
Social Work Library | (734) 764-5169 | social.work.library@umich.edu
B700 School of Social Work Building, 1080 S. University, Ann Arbor MI 48109-1106
