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First-Year Seminars: Resources for Instructors & Peer Advisors: Orientation Activities

Orientation Activities

Here are some ideas to integrate the orientation of library spaces into your class:

You Are Here: Ask students to spend 30 minutes exploring the library and to write a short reflection on how it compares to libraries they've explored in the past.

A Favorite Study Space: Sit in three different places in the library to focus and work on homework. Describe each place and what it feels like to work there. Which space suits you best? Why?

Library Secrets: In groups of 2-3, examine something new and/or unusual in the library and report back to class on your findings. For example, Archives, microform machines, old issues of Scientific American or Life Magazine, college yearbooks, the children's collection, the reference collection, study rooms, government documents, etc. This may involve asking for directions and/or help from library employees.

In Your Hands: Have students locate a physical book related to course content using the Library's Find Information box. Ask students to find the book on the library shelves, check it out, and bring it to class to share with peers. This activity helps students become familiar with call numbers and Library of Congress Classification.

Where's Your Favorite Study Space?