Make sure the library has the needed materials or sources.
Check the library’s online catalog and online collections to see if there is sufficient information or resources available to complete the assignment. If the assignment requires using specific sources you may wish to contact a librarian to check if they are available in the library’s holdings.
Speak with a librarian before giving students a research assignment.
Students often come to Quincy College librarians for help with a research
assignment. Providing librarians with an advanced copy of the assignment, or speaking to them about what will be expected of the students will help us to prepare for questions that may arise.
When an assignment is over, librarians can also provide useful feedback. About how many students asked for help regarding the assignment? Did students seems confused or have trouble understanding the assignment? Did students have trouble finding or accessing appropriate resources?
Avoid the mob scene.
A large class of students who all need to use the same book, article, or video can
lead to the misplacement, loss, or mutilation of materials. Allow students to
choose from a variety of topics. When a particular source is required, you may
request that a copy of the book or article be placed on reserve.
Explain the assignment clearly, in writing.
Give students a clear idea of what the assignment involves. You may even wish
to suggest types of sources to be used.
Be clear in what you mean by “internet” or “web” resources.
Limiting, discouraging, or not allowing websites to be used as sources for a
research assignment may help to prevent “cut and paste” plagiarism and encourage students to use more authoritative sources. Clarify with students what is considered an acceptable web or internet resource. Do you want your students to only use websites from government or non-profit organizations?
Students can use the internet to access the library’s online collections of full-text journal articles and electronic books. Make sure students understand that these library subscription databases are different than a public website.
Make an appointment before bringing a class to the library.
Contact a librarian about scheduling a library instruction session for your class. A
librarian can tailor an instruction session to meets the needs of a specific research
assignment. The Quincy College Library is heavily used by students so unfortunately we cannot accommodate classes to come in all at once to conduct hands on research. Encourage students to come in for research assistance outside of class time.
Adapted from the California Clearinghouse on Library Instruction's "Guidelines for Effective Library Assignments." |
