Instruction and Academic Support

The Marian Library invites faculty to collaboratively develop learning opportunities that advance students’ primary source literacy; support experiential learning; and promote course, program and campus learning objectives.

 

Instructor pointing to an archival map while two students look on.

Teaching Approach

Active learning is the foundation of our approach. All learning opportunities in the Marian Library are driven by the University Libraries' student learning outcomes and we invite faculty to work with us to integrate Marian Library materials into lesson plans.


Instructional Opportunities

Single Sessions

A single class visit can illustrate concepts from a course, inspire a creative or academic project or develop primary source literacy. To discuss possibilities, contact the Marian Library approximately two weeks in advance.

  • Classroom: In a hands-on experience with rare materials, students will receive an introduction to the Marian Library and special collections. Librarians can select materials relevant to your syllabus and learning outcomes.
  • Exhibits: Work with library personnel to identify curricular connections to physical and virtual exhibits of Marian Library materials.

Sessions taught by you: Librarians work with you to curate materials, digital collections and readings in support of seminar-style discussions and in-person, hybrid and online activities.

Immersive Projects and Assignment-based Sessions

Librarians can help you design dynamic course sessions, assignments and major student projects. To discuss possibilities, contact the Marian Library four to six weeks ahead.

  • Primary source literacy: Use items like handwritten postcards, newspaper clippings, photographs, and objects used in Catholic practice — rosaries, medals, candles and more — to give dimension to your course subject matter. Topics may include interpretation and historical empathy, course-specific themes or speculative research. 
  • Traditional research project: Pair primary sources from the collection with instruction in research and information literacy.
  • Exhibit development: Students can select and describe Marian Library materials for an in-person or virtual exhibit to link learning objectives to collections information, exhibitionary practices and cultural heritage.

A Designated Classroom
Students are seated at tables with archival scrapbooks.
Libraries
09.23.2025

A New Home for Special Collections Instruction link-arrow link-arrow

A special collections classroom in Roesch Library offers exciting opportunities for teaching and learning with UD Libraries’ rare and unique collections.