LSUA’s Library Services and Educational Technology departments provide instruction for both faculty and students relative to the use of learning/information resources and the use of technology available at LSUA.

Library Services

Library Services works extensively with the faculty to reach students. Librarians offer “updates” [1] to faculty on library resources and services at the beginning of each semester and offers to meet with departmental faculty about their concerns [2] The library also gave presentations to deans and department chairs on March 28, 2005 [3] [4] [5] Since the beginning of 2005, the library director has increasingly communicated with the faculty through the deans at regular meetings with the Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. A “Services for Faculty” section has been added to the library homepage (on bottom of right column).

Library Services works energetically to engage classroom faculty in course-related (including course-integrated) library instruction so that LSUA students become progressively more information literate and learn to use course-specific library resources [6] . Reports on Information Literacy [7] document how effectively these initiatives have worked. 

In addition, Library Services has developed fundamental “modules” to orient students regarding specific holdings and services at LSUA and introduce core skills required for access to and evaluation of information. At present there are three modules: Basic (orientation and online catalog), Database use and searching, and Website evaluation. When classes are in session, instructors are encouraged to make these modules into assignments so as not to take up class time with these fundamentals. Open group sessions are offered and advertised [8] at the beginning of each semester. Group sessions tailored to specific courses and assignments are requested by instructor

Additionally, Library Services has modified the online TILT (Texas Information Literacy Tutorials) [9] [10]  and tailored them for LSUA students (The LILT, LSUA Information Literacy Tutorials). These online tutorials, mounted on Desire2Learn, provide a method to assess the level of student understanding of the contents of the modules and may be used either before or after the instruction. It is intended to complement but not replace the group (face-to-face) instructional sessions. Instructions to access the LILT on  Desire2Learn  can be located in the right top section of the library webpage. There is always a librarian on duty when the library is open to provide point-of-use help and instruction.

Educational Technology

Educational technology takes training responsibilities very seriously as technology is not useful unless users have sufficient training in how to use it. LSUA has a full-time Educational Technology Specialist who uses a variety of approaches to identify and address training needs on campus.

Faculty Training

At the beginning of each semester, a needs assessment is conducted regarding faculty training needs. Results of the needs assessment [11] are then used to schedule training sessions throughout the semester. The Ed Tech Specialist conducts both group and individual sessions. According to the quarterly report for July - September 2004 [12] , 70 group and individual sessions were held. The quarterly report for October - December 2004 [13] shows that 60 group and individual sessions were held; third and fourth quarters, January - June [14] , 2005, 82 sessions were held.

The Ed Tech Specialist maintains a Desire2Learn orientation site for faculty that provides tips on Desire2Learn and instruction sheets on using basic features. The discussion area is available for faculty to exchange ideas on how to effectively use Desire2Learn for student learning. LSUA offers online courses. To assist faculty with teaching in the online environment, Educational Technology offers an online course to faculty called "Teaching Online." The course has been offered each Fall and Spring since Fall 2003.  The administration approved a $500 stipend for up to ten faculty to complete the six-week online program each semester. The syllabus [15] describes the participation requirements. The call for participants is included in the Faculty Newsletter.

Student Training

Students have access to face-to-face training, trained student workers, written documents, and online resources. Training sessions are posted on the campus calendar on the main web site. E-mails are sent to faculty announcing these training sessions. [16]  Faculty are also informed that they can arrange for their class to receive an orientation in specific software if needed.

The most important help available to students is the trained student worker staff who work in the computer labs. The Fall 2005 student worker training agenda[17] shows the topics covered during group training. Additional information is conveyed throughout the semester as new software or technologies are installed. Student workers also answer the help desk phone which students can call for assistance.