Well-designed course-related library assignments are an effective way to introduce students to library research.   The following tips are intended to reinforce library use as a means of learning while guiding students through a positive library research experience.  The Library's Coordinator of Instructional Services is available for assignment consultations.

• Check to be sure the Library holds the information your students will need.  Consult with the Coordinator of Instructional Services ahead of time to ensure that your assignment will achieve your objectives.

• Assume that most students will have minimal library knowledge.  They may be familiar with basic library tools such as dictionaries, general encyclopedias and browsing the Internet, but few really understand the nature of research, scholarly research tools, the intricacies of subject searching, or critical evaluation of Internet sources.

• Use a variety of topics so there will be sufficient library materials to go around to all of your students.  Use the Library Reserves, as needed, adhering to copyright and fair use practice.

• Explain the assignment clearly.  Provide complete citations when suggesting specific sources to be used.

• Avoid "scavenger hunt" types of assignments that tend to teach students little of the nature of research.  The Coordinator of Instructional Services is available to help faculty design assignments and offer instruction to teach students the different discipline appropriate tools to use for different types of information.

• Generally discourage students from using general Web search engines as their sole source for information. When the Web is the best or sole source for the kind of information you require, recommend specific sites, directories, or expert lists of links to help them find authoritative, timely and useful information. Librarians can help you locate such resources.

• Invite the Coordinator of Instructional Services to review strategies for the assignment with the class, and discuss appropriate tools or types of material.  Schedule a library & research instruction session into your course calendar.