Creating Effective Library & Internet Research Assignments
A well-designed library assignment teaches students valuable research skills and serves as a positive introduction to the VCU Libraries. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when developing assignments that require library or Internet research.
Consider alternative designs for the assignment
Based on your objectives, a traditional research paper might not be the appropriate outcome. Alternatives such as research logs, annotated bibliographies, poster sessions, or literature reviews may meet your instructional goals.
Visit these sites for some interesting ideas about creating engaging assignments:
- Effective Assignments Using Library and Internet Resources
- Ideas for library/information assignments
Recommend Sources
Resource lists give students a starting point, directing them to the most useful information sources for a particular assignment.
VCU Libraries provides a series of Resource Guides listing important reference and Internet sources in various subject areas. Feel free to print and distribute these, or link to them if you have a course-related web page. Course specific web pages can also be developed by our librarians as part of a library instruction session.
Avoid these common problems
“No Internet Sites” or “Must Be In Print”
In the case of library resources, more and more of our materials are available only in electronic format. As a result of the 2002-2003 budget cuts and changes in scholarly publishing, VCU Libraries has migrated 1,070 journals and other continuing publications to electronic versions only. In many cases the only way for students to access scholarly journals is through the Internet.
Alternatives. Make sure that students understand the difference between On the Web vs. Via the Web. Many of the library resources are available only to the VCU Community Via the Web. Regardless of what format the information is in, encourage students to evaluate the quality and scholarly nature of their sources.
Moving Beyond InfoTrac. Is the intent of the requirement for “No Internet or Print Only” to encourage students to move beyond the first full text article they find in InfoTrac? If so, consider requiring students to find the entire article (online or in print) of one of the many abstracts or citations in InfoTrac that do not have the full text. This will significantly expand the utility of InfoTrac for your students and introduce them to other information sources.
The Scavenger Hunt
While it might seem like fun for students to find obscure pieces of trivia this well-intentioned type of assignment quickly becomes a frustrating introduction to the VCU Libraries. Librarians will end up answering the questions and will quickly develop a master list of answers to be handed out to students wise enough to ask for help. Please do not tell students “don't ask the librarian” as answering their questions is our primary duty.
Alternatives. If you are still considering a scavenger hunt, please contact Mary Ellen Spencer, Head of Research and Instructional Services, Cabell Library, 828-2729, mespencer@vcu.edu, to discuss and focus the assignment. A focused information hunt based on specific reference sources may prove to be a useful introduction to those tools.
The Mob Scene
An entire class looking for one piece of information or researching the same specific topic can be especially difficult when printed materials are involved. At its best this type of assignment leads to temporary problems of accessing materials that are checked out or need to be re-shelved. At its worst, library materials are stolen or damaged.
Alternatives. For books and journal articles consider placing the materials on course reserves. For printed reference material contact us for a consultation in order to make accommodations for access. Also note that some of our electronic databases have limits on simultaneous users that can lead to access problems.
Resources for faculty
Librarians are regularly available to meet with faculty who are designing or revising library-related assignments. This collaboration helps to generate assignments that refer to the best possible sources, and also lets us make arrangements within the library to accommodate the needs of the assignment. For example, in some cases we may be able to obtain needed items or set materials aside in a special area.
VCU Libraries offers a wide range of instruction from basic orientation through highly specialized research guidance. If your students have an immediate library research assignment, contact us to arrange for an in-class presentation tailored to the specific research needs of your students. Two weeks advance notice is needed for scheduling.
To place materials on reserve for your students, follow these guidelines to determine the best location and procedures.
Integrating Library Resources into a course Web page or Blackboard
Contact Marilyn Scott, Electronic Services Librarian, 828-9049, mjscott@vcu.edu, if you are interested in pursuing this type of linking or have other ideas about online collaboration.