Tips for Effective Library Assignments

Many UNCG students are unfamiliar with Jackson Library or with doing research in any 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 and become very frustrated. They also do not learn skills that help them in the future.
The reference librarians are glad to consult with you about designing successful library assignments. We will suggest appropriate library sources, compile course guides, 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 subject encyclopedia articles, textbook chapters, or current periodical articles for background information.
Using appropriate periodical indexes and abstracting services to find recent magazine or journal articles.
Using the Library catalog to locate books and government documents on this topic.
Evaluating web pages critically.

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 bibliography of proposed sources and abstracts of key articles or books. This process also provides you the opportunity to make sure students are choosing appropriate sources for their assignments.