Library Instruction - Online Database Training
Learn to locate information effectively and learn library research methods by using Decker Library’s research databases - e.g. JSTOR, Art Full Text - on an individual or group basis. We encourage collaborative project or lesson planning. Librarians will work with you to design the best session for you, your students and research needs. Note that including more topics in a session may require more instruction time, so please consider this in your planning. See the instruction menu for time frame and subject ideas. Advanced searching is not covered in introductory sessions. All freshman and new students should have had a brief library tour during orientation.
Please allow us at least a week’s notice to prepare for your class instruction. You may request instruction here. For more information, contact Instruction Librarian, Marianne Sade at 410-225-2715 (ext. 2715 on campus) or msade@mica.edu.
Classes are invited to schedule research opportunities whether it’s with a librarian or not; to use the main collection or special collections. Because of the heavy use of the Digital Library and main areas of the Library, classes may only be scheduled if they are here to use the collection for research. Drop-ins to do research on your own are welcome yet we can reserve computer space for you if we know you are coming. For more information please contact Instruction Librarian Marianne Sade at 410-225-2715 (ext. 2715 on campus) or msade@mica.edu.
We are happy to create guides and/or bibliographies or to pull books to coincide with your classes.
Library Collections Use
Faculty are welcome to bring class groups for teaching that focuses on the Decker Library's special collection materials. Please schedule these visits in advance by contacting Marianne Sade at 410-225-2715 (ext. 2715 on campus) or msade@mica.edu. Examples of the teaching materials that are often consulted here are:
- Artists' Books - The library's teaching collection of artists' books is available for group class visits. Please consult the Book Arts Catalog to choose items for your class and email the list to the library in advance. Artists' books are also available for individual in-house use by any visitor to the library, up until 30 minutes before closing time.
- Josef Albers' Interaction of Color (1963) - This title is frequently used in the Elements of Visual Thinking curriculum; the library has two copies of this portfolio of silk-screened pieces demonstrating Albers' color theories. One set is complete and can be consulted only in groups facilitated by a faculty member. The second set is incomplete and can be used in-house by any individual visitor to the library.
- Reference Books - The Library's reference collection contains comprehensive resources on a wide variety of subjects, including catalogues raisonne for important artists, design and illustration annuals, and guides to museum collections.
Library Tours
Tours begin at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the Library and last about 30 minutes depending on content. This can include:
- a brief overview of the Library’s services
- points of service - e.g. circulation, information desks, pay for print station
- quick overview of the library’s website offerings
- book and journal collection locations
- interpreting call numbers to find books
Please register for a tour here. For more information contact Instruction Librarian Marianne Sade at 410-225-2715 (ext. 2715 on campus) or msade@mica.edu
Tours may be made on an individual or group basis with a minimum of 24 hour notice.
Maps & Directions