Thank you for your interest in library instruction for your GE A1/A2/A3 course! Foundational Experiences is the Robert E. Kennedy Library's foundational information and multi-literacies library instruction program. Our model embraces a peer-to-peer learning environment, so workshops are mostly led by trained undergraduate peer instructors called Library Research Assistant Technicians, or LibRATS.
For Spring Quarter 2025, please submit requests by Friday, April 18. To submit a request, fill out the request form.
We kindly ask that you provide us with at least two weeks’ notice before your desired date for instruction to ensure the smooth scheduling and coordination of these sessions. You'll receive a confirmation e-mail within one week with the location and pre-workshop assignment information. If you do not receive an e-mail within one week or have any questions, please feel free to contact Mercedes Rutherford-Patten: meruther@calpoly.edu.
Required Pre-Workshop Homework: Library Research 101 Tutorial & Notebook
In this active learning session led by LibRAT peer instructors and/or the Foundational Learning and Engagement Librarian, students learn about Kennedy Library’s resources and services and ways to get research help. They will participate in activities where they practice searching strategically in the library's catalog and databases and evaluate the credibility and quality of information sources. You can view the Research Workshop presentation slides. As a part of our flipped classroom model, we kindly ask that students complete the Library Research 101 Tutorial & Notebook homework before attending their workshop. Learn about the tutorial here.
Required Pre-Workshop Homework: Finding Data Tutorial and Notebook
In this workshop led by Digital Projects Lab Student Assistants and/or the library's Data & GIS Specialist, students will learn how to find and analyze data sets appropriate for their topic and use tools to turn data into compelling visuals. The Intro to Data Visualization Workshop presentation slides and Finding Data Tutorial and Notebook are available here.
We offer self-guided library research tutorials for asynchronous courses. View our list of tutorials.
The Foundational Learning and Engagement Librarian and LibRAT Peer Instructors are eager to connect with students in your Canvas Courses. In previous courses, we've provided Q&A opportunities via discussion boards, but we're open to trying new ways to support students as they work on their research. This embedded partnership also allows the librarian to collect student feedback from the Research 101 Tutorial Notebook activity and make improvements. If you'd like to embed your librarian, Mercedes Rutherford-Patten, into your Canvas course, follow these directions. My e-mail is meruther@calpoly.edu. Feel free to reach out with questions or suggestions!
