Ideas for Library/Research Assignments
These are generic suggestions, requiring modification to suit the needs of a particular course or discipline.
Compare and contrast
- Compare how two different disciplines discuss the same topic using articles from the journal literature of each discipline.
- Compare two journal articles that discuss the same topic from different points of view.
- Compare results retrieved from two types of sources, such as a popular magazine vs. a scholarly journal, or a primary source vs. a secondary source, or an Internet source vs. a library database. The Archives and Rare Books Library can help with primary source material.
- Research a particular topic in the literature of the 70s and 80s, then research the same topic in the literature of the 90s and 00s. Discuss the evolution of the topic based on this exercise.
- Compare two Web sites that deal with the same subject matter, or contrast Web sites representing government, personal, commercial, and scholarly interests.
Solve problems, answer questions
- Active learning research questions that relate directly to students can be found at the Web Wizard (Bowling Green State University Libraries).
- Problem-based library assignments are available from the PBL Team at University Libraries.
Research, pure and simple
- Prepare a guide to the information sources on one subject, for example "organic food". Not only does this expose students to the variety of resources available to them, it also provides the opportunity to compare and contrast information resources and to develop critical thinking skills.
- Prepare a literature review on a topic for a specific time frame. This is particularly useful when covering historical topics and can introduce students to primary resources and our collection of online newspapers and historical books.
- Research a controversial topic using the databases Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center and CQ Researcher.
- Prepare a nomination of a person or group for a particular Nobel Prize. In addition to defending their nomination, students would be required to learn about the prize, criteria for the award, etc.
- Research the publications and career of a prominent scholar. The assignment might require biographical information, a bibliography of publications, and analysis of the individual in their field of research. There is a wealth of biographical resources available on line which help students formulate ideas.
- Research a particular company, organization, research lab, etc as preparation for a (hypothetical) interview.
- Submit a research log with the assignment for which the research was undertaken. Evaluate students on their strategy, what sources they used and why, as well as what did not work.
Visualize a topic
Cartoons as an Educational Tool
Cartoons are an effective way to visualize a point of view and start a classroom discussion on current issues from mainstream media to gun control.
University Libraries subscribes to Issues and Controversies that provides access to an aray of resources focused on current events. Editorial cartoons are available from the web site and can be used for teaching and learning (http://www.2facts.com/icof/issues-menu-cartoons.asp )
Ideas from educators and librarians nationwide
The journal College Teaching often publishes practical articles describing ways to adapt research and writing assignments to meet information literacy goals.
How Do I Put a Little Information Literacy Into My Class? (Orradre Library,
Santa Clara University)
Adapted from information compiled by the University of Cincinnati librarians and the University of New Brunswick Library Assignment Website.
Creating Effective Library Assignments
