Effective Research Assignments
Well-designed course-related library assignments are an effective way to introduce students to library research. The following guidelines are meant to insure students a positive library experience and reinforce library use as a means of learning.
Consult with a Reference Library before you give the
assignment.
Librarians will work with you to design an appropriate
assignment that will achieve you course goals/objectives. Sending a
copy of the assignment to your library faculty
subject
specialist or the
Head of Library Education
Services before you give it to your students will ensure that
the library staff is ready to help your students when needed.
Assume minimal library knowledge.
Although many students may be familiar with using some
library tools (e.g., dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc.), few really
understand the intricacies of academic research, and many have
never used research journals. Too many students rely on Google and
other search engines.
Explain the assignment clearly, preferably in
writing.
Students need a clear idea of what the assignment involves.
What do you expect the students to learn as a result of the
assignment, and how do the objectives for the assignment fit in
with your course objectives? Suggesting types of sources to be used
is helpful. Give complete, accurate citations for specific works
you recommend to your students.
Always be sure the library holds the needed
information.
It is very frustrating to look for what does not exist or the
library does not own. Ask librarians for help in identifying
resources. New resources are always available. Sending an advance
copy of the assignment and its due date to your library faculty
subject
specialist or the
Head of Library Education
Services is very helpful in preparing the librarians to assist
students.
Teach research strategy when appropriate.
Include a list of steps involved in the research assigned.
Invite your library faculty
subject
specialist to review strategies for the assignment with the
class and discuss appropriate resources or types of materials.
Discuss plagiarism with your students.
Avoid the mob scene.
Dozens of students using just one book, article, or index, or
looking for the same information usually leads to misplacement,
loss, or mutilation of materials. Give students a variety of topics
and sources. Use the course reserves as needed; use photocopies of
“classic” articles if you can conform to fair-use
practices.
Avoid scavenger hunts.
Searching for obscure facts frustrates students, can cause
chaos in the library stacks, and teaches students little about
research. If planning a library exercise, talk to your library
faculty subject specialist about designing one appropriate to the
class. See below for innovative assignment ideas.
Be clear in your use of the term
“Internet”.
Many library licensed journal databases and full-text
resources are available through the Internet and could be
considered Internet sources. Clarify what students should use. Do
you want your students to find authoritative web sites or use
library resources?
Specify a particular style manual.
Here are brief online help guides for
APA
and
MLA
styles.
Refer students to library staff for help.
Remind students that librarians and other library staff are
available at reference and information desks and can provide
individual help. Even students who have had a library instruction
session may need additional help.
Get Help
is a terrific resource for your students!
Finally.
Librarians can provide presentations and written materials
geared specifically to your course and assignments, as well as
general orientations for more inexperienced students. PLEASE ASK!
Contact us!
Adapted with permission of the University of Oregon Library System , Eugene , Oregon .
Innovative Assignments
Research papers are not always the only way to teach
research strategies. Below are some ideas for innovative
assignments. Sites providing examples of innovative or alternative
research assignments include:
Colorado College – A guide to assignments for library research
Gustavus Adolphus – lists assignments in the following categories: Interpretive assignments, Synthesis assignments, Exploring discourses and Quick and dirty
Ohio Universities with ideas for general education, sciences, social sciences, history and literature.
We know that students use Wikipedia. See site on using Wikipedia in research assignments.
