Tips for Effective Library Assignments
Many students are unfamiliar with doing
research in an academic library. Librarians have consistently found that
library research related to specific class assignments is the most
meaningful vehicle for teaching library research techniques. It is vital
to plan those class assignments so that students can be successful in the
library. Students who have positive research experiences will be more
enthusiastic about future research assignments. Here are some suggestions
for designing library and research projects which should foster student
success.
- Assign individual or small group projects on a variety of topics so
that students are not competing for the same materials. Place appropriate
materials on reserve if necessary.
- Verify the accuracy of references given to students and make sure that
the library owns the cited materials.
- Give clear instructions, preferably in writing; students frequently
misunderstand or forget an oral assignment.
- Avoid the "trivial pursuit" or "scavenger hunt" type of assignment.
Students have no idea where to find answers, become very frustrated, and ask a librarian for help with every question. They do not learn research skills that help them in the future.
- Provide a list of appropriate resources to give
students something from which to work. These would include subject
encyclopedias, periodical indexes and databases, directories, and other
reference books.
- Send a copy of your assignment to your Library Liaison. All of the
library staff will then be better prepared to assist your students.
- Your Library Liaison is glad to consult with you about designing
successful library assignments. We will suggest appropriate library
sources, and/or teach your class about research
strategies and sources.
Teaching Research Strategies
A research strategy is an appropriate method for organizing a research
project that takes into account the kinds of information sought and the
sequence in which sources should be consulted. While such strategies may
seem obvious to experienced researchers, they are often unknown to
students. Steps in undergraduate research strategies may include:
- Defining and narrowing the topic using a subject encyclopedia article,
textbook chapter, or current periodical article for background
information.
- Using appropriate periodical indexes and databases to find recent magazine or journal articles.
- Using the Library catalog to locate books and audiovisual materials on the
topic.
Designing a research assignment in stages helps students learn the steps
of a research strategy and provides them with feedback before they write
their paper. For example, a preliminary assignment may include a summary
of an encyclopedia article, a bibliography of proposed sources, and an
abstract of a key article or book. This process also provides you the
opportunity to make sure students are choosing appropriate sources for
their assignments.
Alternatives to the Research Paper
Depending on the course, it may be more appropriate to assign something besides the traditional research paper. Here are some suggestions:
- Students prepare an annotated bibliography of sources on a specific topic. (Hint: Provide a sample citation and annotation.)
- Students write abstracts of periodical articles on a specific topic
(Hint: Provide a sample citation and abstract.)
- Students compare a popular magazine article with a scholarly article
on the same topic.
- Students compare a liberal magazine article with a conservative magazine article on the same controversial topic.
- Students compare two or more scholarly book reviews on an important
book in the subject area of the course. (Hint: Provide a list of books and
have each student choose a different book. Check with the Library Faculty that book
reviews can be found on the chosen books.)
Student Citation of Sources
Duke University Libraries' site [http://www.lib.duke.edu/libguide/works_cited]
provides an excellent side-by-side comparison of:
the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5th ed., (MLA)
the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed.,(APA)
A Manual for The Chicago Manual ofStyle, 14th ed.
the Turabian Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 6th ed.
Thanks to Nancy Fogarty and Kathy Crowe,
Reference Department, Walter Clinton Jackson Library, University of North Carolina, Greensboro
[http://library.uncg.edu/depts/ref/libinstruction/assigntips.html]
and
the Las Positas College Library for the information from which these suggestions were adapted.
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