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Information Skills Modules (ISM) information

Information Skills Modules (ISM)

Going beyond how-to demonstrations that segregate subject-matter learning from research skills, Virginia Tech's Information Skills Modules lead users through the thinking processes required for effective, efficient research in today's complex worlds of information. The flexible, modular design means that you can work with just one segment, any topical module, or the whole package. We invite you to contribute to the growing collection of instructor and learner resources on the ISM site.

Faculty can use ISM

  • As a point of departure for small assignments. For example, one might ask a group of students to conduct an online discussion applying the segment on assessing the reliability of sources (in Module 5) to a course reading.
  • To provide the mile-markers students must pass in order to make progress in a term-long research project.
  • As a text to complement what they and/or instructional librarians teach in class about finding, retrieving, assessing, and applying information from traditional and electronic sources.

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