Library Instruction & Research Basics
To support research and scholarly communication, the Library offers an extensive instruction program that can be customized for the needs of a specific class, project, or research group. From data analysis and thesis preparation to software usage and 3D printing, instructional librarians can work with the Caltech community to strengthen skills, acquire new tools, and improve research quality.
The Library offers scheduled, online workshops each term on a variety of subjects and, once campus reopens, classes will be also be held in the multimedia conference rooms in the Sherman Fairchild Library and teaching spaces in Caltech Hall.
All Caltech students, staff, and faculty are welcome to participate in Library workshops. JPL employees are also welcome. Most classes are designed to be appropriate for both beginners and more experienced resource users.
Embedded Instruction
For classes that meet online and eventually in person, instructional librarians are available to provide in-class instruction that complements the class curriculum. Librarians trained in specific subject research or the use of individual resources can offer a guest lecture or hands-on workshop to students.
Librarians can also deliver customized presentations and stand-alone programs for students, faculty, and staff about:
- research assistance (e.g., Zotero, copyright essentials, data management and visualization, thesis preparation, conducting ethical research, DocuServe)
- library services (e.g., CaltechAUTHORS, 3D printing at the TechLab, the Library publishing program, CaltechDATA)
- publishing concerns (e.g., authors’ rights, iThenticate, ORCiD, and open access)
- topics specific to the needs of the Caltech community (e.g., crystallographic resources, life sciences research, the patent process)
Undergraduate Learning Outcomes
The Caltech Library is committed to serving our undergraduate community by supporting the Caltech Core Curriculum, which provides:
Substantive experience in problem solving, collaboration, and communication.
Students will be able to:
- Manage increasing academic challenges while developing resilience and confidence.
- Develop and satisfy their intellectual curiosity.
- Collaborate effectively and ethically, recognizing diverse models of academic collaboration.
- Communicate to a range of audiences through a variety of media.
A broad and rigorous foundation in the sciences.
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of foundational concepts from the sciences.
- Use disciplinary thinking, analytical skills, and a range of methods in the sciences.
- Apply their knowledge and skills to diverse problems within and across disciplines.
Significant study in the humanities and social sciences.
Students will be able to:
- Explore and expand upon learning in fields beyond intended areas of specialization.
- Appreciate and understand the contributions of the humanities, social sciences, and arts to human endeavors.
- Engage in informed analysis of cultural, political, and economic issues.
Additional information about Caltech's Institutional Learning Outcomes can be found at Caltech Academics.
Request Instruction
Contact us to request a session using whichever instruction method works best for your audience and needs.