A well-designed course-related library assignment is an excellent teaching tool. Effective assignments develop research skills, critical thinking skills, and subject knowledge. By working together, librarians and instructors can develop assignments that enhance pedagogical objectives while minimizing frustration.
Currency. Information sources are constantly changing. New resources are available on our Web site and through OhioLINK on a continuous basis. New sources appear and methods of accessing information are evolving. A librarian can point you to the most current and relevant sources for your class.
Feasibility. It is important to ensure that the library has adequate information in a particular area. Even with the Internet, OhioLINK and our existing collection, it is possible that your specific class assignment may require additional materials. By meeting with a librarian in advance, we can assure the materials are available for your students.
Variety. It is important to incorporate choice into assignments so that large numbers of students are not looking for the same book, article, or index. Circulating items that will be needed by many students should be placed on reserve. The Library also offers an E-Reserves service that provides electronic access to documents.
Reference consultation. Refer students to the librarian in the appropriate College or Departmental Library or the Info Commons. An important aspect of library research is recognizing the expertise of librarians and asking for research help when necessary. A Chat Reference service is also available.
Time frames. Students who are new to library research often find library assignments very time-consuming. Providing deadlines for different stages of the assignment are useful for larger research projects. On the subject of time frames, it is important for students to be aware that information about current topics may be limited to newspaper sources, as journal articles and books take time to appear.
Correct terminology. Students are easily confused by new terms that they cannot interpret. Many new students don’t know what an index is! Do not assume they are aware of how to use an academic library. Librarians can provide assistance in recommending the most appropriate resources for the class.
Web reality check. For most assignments students should neither be directed to find their information exclusively on the web, nor be told to avoid the web. Students need to be able to differentiate what is available through the University Library web page as opposed to the general Internet. Many high-quality, expensive electronic research tools are available through the library on the web. These resources are not to be confused with what is freely retrieved by searching the web. In many cases, electronic discovery tools lead students to useful information but the information itself is not provided on the web.
Citing sources. If there is a documentation style you prefer, it is useful to specify that style when the assignment is introduced. Students, particularly undergraduates, often have a difficult time managing and keeping track of information. Again, we can point you to How to Cite Sources in a Paper, tips and strategies offered by OhioLINK, as well as provide information on RefWorks, a tool that compiles bibliographies and footnotes and is available free to all UC students and faculty. Educating students about citing sources is an important step in preventing plagiarism.
A copy for us. Please provide a copy of your assignment to the Info Commons or the library your students will use. We can provide better service if we know what students are working on and what resources you wish them to use.
Some Ideas for Library Assignments
Problem-Based Library Assignments
