Create Library Assignments
Many of you create library assignments to
familiarize your students with the layout of the library and the
research process. Although we encourage the use of these
assignments, they sometimes can be ambiguous, outdated, or
difficult to complete in the allotted time frame. Please use the
following guidelines when creating library assignments:
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Consult with a librarian before finalizing the
assignment to insure the resources are current and available. As we
add to our electronic resources, there is a good chance that what
was available in print last year is available electronically this
year. Similarly, we may have added new and more comprehensive
resources since you created the assignment and we want to ensure
our students are familiar with the latest electronic information
tools.
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Make sure there is enough information on a topic
before assigning it. Students just learning how to conduct research
at the college level become easily discouraged when they can't find
enough information in our library (and don't have a car or time to
go to USF).
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Assume your students have never used a library for
academic research. Unfortunately, few students arrive at college
equipped with the necessary research skills to succeed in college
level research. Don't assume they know what a citation,
bibliography, or an index is.
-
Avoid scavenger hunts and timed assignments; these
generally cause confusion, frustration, and an overall negative
library experience. Students focus primarily on filling in the
blanks rather than learning sound research techniques.
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Contact a librarian when you assign a library
research project. We can provide better assistance when we know
what to expect and when to expect them.
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If you can, schedule a library instruction session
before the assignment is given.
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