Mission

The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is committed to the educational mission of Fairfield University and the development of lifelong learners through our instruction. We focus on the education of the whole person through a student-centered approach to instruction that encourages curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual exploration.

We encourage the development of information literate global citizens through strong partnerships with faculty, our central position within the academic community, and by fostering a caring and supportive learning environment. Our instruction focuses on individual student learning, encouraging students to challenge themselves, and fostering an increasing capacity for critical thinking and self-reflection. Through our adherence to the ALA Code of Ethics we promote academic integrity, social responsibility, and the ethical use of information.

What is Information Literacy?

According to the Association of College & Research Libraries' (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, “Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.”

  • Authority Is Constructed and Contextual
  • Information Creation as a Process
  • Information Has Value
  • Research as Inquiry
  • Scholarship as Conversation
  • Searching as Strategic Exploration

What We Do

Our instruction librarians work with faculty, staff, and students both in-person and online. Our librarians can work with you to do things like:

  • Develop and deliver lessons that support course objectives
  • Create learning materials such as Course Guides or tutorials
  • Act as embedded librarians for courses
  • Teach individual workshops on research skills

To speak with a librarian about how to integrate information literacy instruction into your course or program, visit the Faculty Partnership Program page.

Policies & Procedures

  • Instruction is held in the Library Instruction Lab, room 114.
  • Requests should be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Professors are required to attend class during library instruction sessions.
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Additional Resources