History Librarians Interest Group

  • 1.  Recommended Instruction Resources for a New Librarian

    Posted Jun 28, 2021 10:20 AM
    Hi all,

    I am a brand new librarian who will be working with the History Department at my institution to teach information literacy instruction sessions. As someone without a background studying history, I was wondering if anyone has recommended materials, literature, or other resources for someone looking to learn more about best practices within historical research. Specifically, I am interested in hearing about information literacy skills that may be unique to historical research (finding and evaluating primary sources, for example) and how you teach these skills to students. I will be working with a mix of undergraduate courses ranging from introductory to capstone courses.

    Thank you in advance, and please let me know if I can provide any clarification.

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    Victoria Lieggi
    Instructional Services Librarian and Coordinator of Access Services
    Lycoming College
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  • 2.  RE: Recommended Instruction Resources for a New Librarian

    Posted Jun 29, 2021 01:12 PM
    Hi Victoria,

    Congratulations on your new position! Most of what I've learned about library instruction in History, especially for primary sources, has been from fellow librarians and their excellent libguides and websites. Most are very willing to let you use and repurpose their content. Just check with them first. Below are a few sites that I've found particularly useful.
    If you have other more specific questions or if you'd like to set up a time to chat, I'd be happy to do so. Feel free to contact me directly.

    Best,
    Rebecca


    Rebecca Lloyd (pronouns: she/her/hers)
    Incoming Convener, ACRL History Librarians Interest Group
    Learning & Research Services Librarian
    Liaison to History, Latin American Studies, & Spanish
    Charles Library, Temple University
    215-204-4250  | rebecca.lloyd@temple.edu

    Need research help? Make an appointment with me.





  • 3.  RE: Recommended Instruction Resources for a New Librarian

    Posted Jun 30, 2021 11:34 AM
    Edited by System Sep 01, 2022 02:11 PM
    Hi Victoria,
    I see that someone already showed you examples of some good libguides. With regards information literacy skills unique to historical research, there's the idea of "digital archival literacy" (it's still kind of new). Usually upper-level/capstone courses require original research using primary sources. Many students look for primary sources online but are not trained in the intricacies of digitization and online repositories. I came across the idea of "digital archival literacy" in the following article:
    Helle Strandgaard Jensen (2020) Digital Archival Literacy for
    (all) Historians, Media History, (Published online 10 June 2020) DOI:
    10.1080/13688804.2020.1779047

    The article isn't necessarily from a library perspective, but I've actually talked with the author and incorporated some of the ideas in my own research and practice. I would be happy to discuss any of that with you.

    Best,

    David Sye


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    David Sye
    Research & Instruction Librarian
    Murray State University
    dsye@murraystate.edu
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