Tips for creating library/research assignments

1. Make sure that your assignment matches your objectives. For example, if you want them to just read journal articles, upload them to your Blackboard site or to Course Reserves. That way, everyone gets a chance to use them. But if you want students to learn to find articles on their own, make that part of the process.
2. Don't assume that your students already have the necessary skills to complete your assignment efficiently. Request library instruction for your classes. If time pressures preclude scheduling instruction sessions with a librarian, refer the students to our tutorials, FAQs, and other information on the library website.
3. Update your assignments to keep pace with the ever-changing research environment. Be sure that the Library actually owns the materials you are assigning. Check ALICE and/or InfoTree for our holdings. Make sure the database you used to use still works the same; check InfoTree in your subject area(s) for new resources.
4. If there are items we don't own, but should, work with your faculty library rep or subject bibliographer to order materials for the collection.
5. Inform the library of impending assignments through your bibliographer.
6. Consider alternatives to the traditional term paper assignment. See our list of examples.
7. Talk to your bibliographer about your learning objectives; they may have ideas about assignments using library resources.