The Archives Department welcomes the opportunity to work with instructors to collaborate in the design of instruction sessions, learning objects, and primary-source-based assignments. Beyond introducing students to archival research and our facilities, we aim to increase learners’ primary source literacy as outlined in the Guidelines for Primary Source Literacy developed by the Society of American Archivists and Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). More broadly, we are dedicated to a learner-centered approach to teaching and work to foster students’ critical thought about information, its creation, and its historical legacy. We work with classes from all disciplines and academic levels.

We are continuing this work during the shift to online classes.  Although the methods we employ may be slightly different, we are still able to support your students in learning primary source literacy skills. 

With the sudden shift to the online learning environment, the UWM Libraries & Archives continued to support my classes so that students engaged with both (digitized) materials in UWM’s holdings and the knowledgeable library professionals. Their learning well-supported and prioritized, students still had the opportunity to develop crucial skills of critical analysis and thinking – that which our librarians and archivists are so very good at fostering.

– Dr. Krista Grensavitch

Some examples of online instruction that we’ve done:

• Provided digital versions of material and guided students through analysis in a Blackboard Collaborate Ultra video session
• Embedded a self-guided primary source literacy module into a Canvas class, complete with mini-quizzes to assess student learning
• Facilitated group learning in discussion boards
• Created instruction videos about key primary source literacy concepts or class content

Other services we can provide include:

• Personal video research consultations with your students
• Video consultations about adapting primary source literacy instruction for your online class
• Facilitating digital projects/exhibits with materials from the UWM Archives
• Other ideas that you might have!

To request an instruction session, please complete the following form. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

Instructor attendance at instruction sessions is required. If we do not respond to your request for instruction within 2 business days, please email Abigail Nye at anye@uwm.edu