Guiding principles for library instruction & learning across UVic Libraries
Instruction at UVic Libraries is provided by librarians, archivists, and staff to students, faculty, staff, and community members. For the purposes of these guiding principles, we refer to all these individuals as "learners." These guiding principles are intended to inform and inspire rather than mandate; we acknowledge that their application requires judgment and that not every principle will be relevant to every instructional context. UVic Libraries supports its instructors in delivering learning experiences that align with these principles.
- We strive to embody best practices in library instruction using evidence-based methods grounded in the scholarship on teaching and learning.
- We prioritize library instruction that puts the learner first and supports the achievement of intended learning outcomes.
- We strive to incorporate active learning opportunities; learning is not a spectator sport.
- We are attentive to the diversity of learners’ backgrounds, abilities, experiences, expectations, and goals, and we strive to provide instruction in an inclusive, equitable, open, and decolonizing way.
- We continually assess our instruction practices to understand their effectiveness and respond to emerging learning needs through regular evaluation and review.
- We engage in continuous learning in our instructional practice and make space for experimentation, creativity, and risk-taking.
- We leverage the full range of expertise at UVic Libraries and collaborate across campus to meet learners’ needs and university goals.