Getting StartedCreating an Effective Library-Based Assignment
Create library-based assignments by integrating concepts from the information literacy standards into your assignments.
The Association of College and Research Libraries defines the information literate student as one who:
- Determines the nature and extent of the information needed.
- Accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.
- Evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.
- Individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
- Understands many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally.
from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/informationliteracycompetency.cfm
Ways to incorporate these standards into your classroom:
- Encourage library use in your classes.
- Request a library instruction session.
- Link to the library on Blackboard and in your syllabus.
- Discourage students from using general Web search engines as their sole source of information.
- Create assignments that call for scholarly research, critical thinking, etc. (see below for ideas, or talk to your campus librarian).
Library-based assignment ideas:
- Smith College Libraries http://www.smith.edu/libraries/services/faculty/infolit/assignments.htm#peer
- Memorial University Libraries http://www.library.mun.ca/qeii/instruction/assignment_ideas.php
- Saint Joseph’s University Libraries http://www.sju.edu/libraries/drexel/forfaculty/illstds.htm
- Columbia Gorge Community College Library http://www.cgcc.cc.or.us/Library/facultyservices/alternatives.htm
- Pace University Library http://www.pace.edu/library/pages/instruct/effectiveassignments.htm#Ideas
- Washington State University Libraries http://www.wsulibs.wsu.edu/usered/eff_lib_assigns.html
General tips when creating an assignment:
- Here's a short movie with tips: Intro to Using the Library (Xtranormal movie from Moorhead campus Library)
- Make sure the assignment is closely tied to the course content to provide relevance.
- Check with your librarian to learn what relevant resources are available for your assignment.
- Clearly communicate the assignment expectations and purpose to your students.
- Avoid sending a large group of students to the library at the same time for the same resource.
- Put heavily used materials on reserve (see your librarian).
- Send a copy of your assignment to your campus librarian. This will help prepare the librarian to effectively assist your students.