A library assignment that meets this criteria is an excellent teaching tool, can enhance and enrich the student's learning experience. It also increases the understanding of the subject matter and builds research skills.

Working together, instructors and librarians can develop assignments that are beneficial to students. Please submit an outline of your library assignment in advance so that library staff may prepare for it.

If you would like to set up a time to collaborate with a librarian or if you would like to arrange a formal Library Instruction session, contact the North Meridian Center library (921-4782) or Lawrence Campus library (921-4219), or submit an online request form for North Meridian Center or the Lawrence Campus.

Please book your session AT LEAST one week in advance.

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• Assume your students have minimal knowledge of the library
• Consult with a librarian
• Check IvyCat, the online catalog, to find out if we have the resources you are recommending to your students
• Give students complete citations to sources you wish them to use. If you need a complete and accurate citation consult a librarian
• Arrange for a Library Instruction session to teach research strategy
• Plan to have your students attend a Library Instruction session when they are ready to begin their projects, not before
• Make sure your students have done some thinking about their topics before attending a Library session
• Provide librarians with a copy of your assignment
• Keep the assignment simple. Make sure your students can understand all of the steps
• Articulate your research objectives clearly to your students and a librarian
• Specify the level of research expected
• Discuss plagiarism with your students
• Incorporate critical thinking into your assignments in as many places as possible
• Encourage students to make use of the reference desk and the Drop-In Library Clinics
• Try out the assignments yourself, to make sure it can be completed realistically

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• Limit resources to only print sources. The vast majority of the library magazines and journals are available in electronic format through online databases, giving students access to more resources.
• Limit research to a particular resource. Thirty students trying to use one or two books or journal articles is stressful for everyone, and shortens the lifespan of the resource.  
• Arrange for scavenger hunts. Roaming around the library looking for trivia is not research and tends to frustrate students

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