Library services for teaching are twofold. Information specialists provide instructions in information searches and information use, and the library offers diverse materials for use as course material, supplementary material, and sources. Introductions are available for instructors, both individuals and groups. Each RU School has a liaison librarian who specializes in information in the academic field of that School and strives to offer its faculty the best possible service.
Academic work requires students to possess the ability to find, assess, and use the information and sources in an efficient and responsible manner. According to the definition of the American Library Association (ALA) from 2000, a person who possesses those skills is information literate. The Prague Declaration from 2003 on the enhancement of information literacy in society and the Alexandria Proclamation on Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning from 2005 on information literacy and lifelong learning might also be of interest.
The Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture refer to information literacy in its National Qualification Framework from 16 May 2011 where it is stated for example, that students who complete a Bachelor's degree from a university accredited by the Ministry according to the Higher Education Institution Act no. 63/2006 shall be able to apply applicable methods of their field or profession. This consists in students being able to “… recognise when further data is needed and have the ability to retrieve it ... use reliable data- and information resources in the relevant scientific field …”
The library offers diverse instruction designed to promote information literacy.
Instruction provided by the library: