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The Research & Instruction Services department offers both stand-alone workshops for library patrons as well as in-class sessions arranged by the class instructor. Contact your college librarian to set up an instruction session. Librarians can come to your regular classroom, or we can use of one of the library classrooms. We also offer self-guides audio tours of Newman Library.

Information literacy

Information literacy is commonly defined as "the ability to locate, evaluate, and efficiently use information" and is comprised of several components:

  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Computer literacy

Students have to be able navigate the Libraries and our print and electronic information resources; they need to be able to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information to come to conclusions; and they need to be familiar with computers and computer applications not only to find and retrieve information but also to communicate their findings.

Lifelong learning is also encouraged through the promotion of information literacy. Students develop an appreciation of how these skills will assist them in their future coursework and careers, along with developing an understanding of the impact information has on society and their lives.

Self-paced instruction options

The libraries offer a number of tutorials and other options for self-paced instruction on the library research process.

Instructional services for extended-campus users

To find out more about the instructional services available from the University Libraries, contact David Beagle, the Distance Education Librarian at 231-9231, or your College Librarian. David Beagle is also your contact for information on Off Campus Sign In or PIDs.

Information on how to obtain the hard copy of library resources at extended campus locations can be found at the Interlibrary Loan web site.


Newman Library tour options

Self-guided audio tour

Our primary tour option for individuals is a self-guided, audio tour option with a graded quiz that can be used to show attendance for classes that require participation or give extra credit.

The tour consists of 16 different information stops/points, accessible by using a device to scan a QR code. Once scanned using the camera in your mobile device and its built-in reader or a separate app, your device will play an audio track (with some photos/videos) explaining the different services that are offered in Newman Library and how our collections are organized. The audio track at each stop will direct you to the next stop, where you will scan the next QR code.

To take the tour you will either need to use a smartphone or tablet, have access to Virginia Tech’s wireless network (we recommend wireless over a cellular data network since several sections of the library get little to no cellular signal), and have headphones or earbuds to hear the narration. If you do not have a suitable device, then you can check out an iPad at the Circulation Desk. The Circulation staff will show you how to take the tour.

 

Newman Library break hours

Sun, May 19: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Mon-Fri, May 20-24: 7:30am - 8:00pm
Sat-Sun, May 25-26: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Mon, May 27: Closed

Current semester hours

Art + Architecture Library break hours

Sun, May 19: Closed
Mon-Fri, May 20-24: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sat-Mon, May 25-27: Closed

Current semester hours

NVC Resource Center spring hours

Mon-Thu, May 13-16: 11:00am - 10:00pm
Fri, May 17: 11:00am - 6:30pm
Sat, May 18: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sun, May 19: Closed
Mon-Fri, May 20-24: 11:00am - 6:30pm

Current semester hours

Veterinary Medicine Library break hours

Sun, May 19: Closed
Mon-Fri, May 20-24: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sat-Mon, May 25-27: Closed

Current semester hours