The University Libraries offers a program of instruction services that aims to teach students, staff and faculty at the University of Memphis not only how to navigate the Libraries, but also how to develop and enhance information seeking and information gathering skills. The Instruction Program is committed to enhancing information literacy, so that individuals are able to recognize their information needs and ably locate, evaluate, and use information to fulfill those needs.

The core of the program is course-related instruction, in which librarians work with faculty in the academic departments to teach those skills that students need in course assignments and related research. The University Libraries' Instruction Program is an active participant in the University of Memphis' educational commitment to "the discovery and dissemination of knowledge" and preparation for “successful careers and meaningful participation in a global society.” Library faculty collaborate with instructors to create information literacy instruction that is tailored to the specific curricula and topics of their courses.