Quick Guide to “Do’s and Don’ts” for Library Research Assignments

Do!

• have clear objectives for the assignment
• explain the assignment verbally and in writing
• consult with a reference librarian to be sure that the library has the needed materials to support the assignment
• schedule a library instruction class so librarians can teach the necessary research skills needed to complete the assignment
• be clear about the level of research required (i.e. scholarly v. popular resources)
• encourage students to use a variety of resources
• emphasize the value of critically evaluating resources
• provide students with complete and accurate citations to information sources and reference works
• review proper citation styles and the dangers of plagiarism
• provide incremental assignments where possible
• encourage students to ask for assistance at the reference desk or schedule an individual reference appointment with a librarian

Don’t!

• assume that your students are familiar with library research
• limit research unnecessarily to one format (only articles for example)
• end students to browse in journals for articles, periodical indexes (print or electronic) are a more reliable choice
• send an entire class to look for one single item or piece of information