Objectives of Effective Library Assignments

An effective library assignment should:

• Teach life-long information literacy and research skills
• Address clear purposes with clear instructions
• Communicate learning objectives related directly to coursework
• Employ a variety of topics and/or resources
• Are doable when tested
• Take full advantage of the University Library’s information and instruction resources
• Create a positive learning environment for your class and future library work of students

Promoting Information Literacy

• Keep your assignments up to date in a world of constantly changing information resources.
• Teach your students the research skills they need to grasp the objectives of your course.
• Take full advantage of the University Library’s information and instruction resources.
• Help integrate information literacy principles into your curriculum.
• Improve the learning environment of your classes by decreasing student frustration and anxiety

Guidelines for Creating Effective Library Assignments

• Provide a Clear Purpose and Instructions
  Make sure your students understand what you want them to accomplish. State your purpose and how it relates to the objectives of your course. Test the assignment for clarity or ask a student or librarian to read it and offer feedback. Are the instructions clear? Verify your terminology. Remember: Library resources are constantly changing.
• Do your Homework or Consult a Librarian
  Review your assignment each semester. Be certain the library has the resources needed to complete the assignment. In reviewing the assignment, question whether it is too specific (students will all need the same resources, likely at the same time) or too general (students will feel lost and lack direction). University Librarians are happy to help you with this process.
• Foster Critical Analysis
  Design assignments that ask students to use the information they find in a meaningful way. Requiring students to analyze, evaluate, or comment on the information they find helps integrate information literacy skills into your course and makes students more likely to retain these skills.
• Prepare Students for Success in the Library
  Survey your students’ current understanding of the library. Do they require a librarian-led instruction session? Are they familiar with our "Subject Portals" or our "E-journal Database"? Take the time to make sure your students are oriented and comfortable with the University Library. Let them know how librarians can help.
• Discuss the Research Process in your Field
  Each field has slightly different methods and approaches to the research process, and students need to be acclimated to the research environment of your field. Make certain your students are aware of key terms (e.g. "peer-reviewed" and "boolean operators").