VU Libraries Tips on Creating Successful Library Assignments
• Try to avoid giving the same research topic to the
entire class. The first student to visit the library might
check out all the books on the topic and the other
students will be very frustrated if unable to find book
sources. If the entire class is working on a similar
assignment, consider selecting several relevant books
from the library collection and placing them on reserve.
• Before creating student assignments/topics, it is
recommended that the instructor search Webcat
at http://www.vinu.edu/--click Academic Resources tab
at the top of the page, then click Shake Library from the
menu on the left side of the page. Next, click Find
Books to search VU WebCat or Find Articles to search
periodical and reference databases (such as
EBSCOhost, Proquest, etc.) to see if materials are
available. Feel free to contact the library liaison for
suggestions of databases and other resources.
• If the library does not contain enough relevant
materials for a planned student research assignment,
feel free to request your library liaison (above) to order
books or other items that you require. Please allow
enough time for the ordering and processing of
materials (publishers' back-ordered or out of stock
items might take months to arrive). The library liaison
also is available to assist in locating sources.
• Do not assume students know the basics of library
research. All students are thoroughly introduced to
library research in English Comp I, but be aware that
not all students enroll in English Comp I their first
semester at VU.
• Librarians believe that the student scavenger hunt in
which students are asked to locate random facts is not
an effective approach. The scavenger hunt lacks a clear
purpose, teaches little, and is frustrating. Librarians
rather than the students frequently end up locating the
answers. For assistance in designing effective library
assignments where students are introduced to specific
sources, feel free to contact your library liaison.
• Complete the research part of the assignment yourself
to make sure it works and that the students have
enough time to complete it.
• Break the assignment into steps, parts, or stages.
• Specify which style manual should be used (MLA, for
instance), if applicable.
• Provide a list of recommended sources.
• Make sure the assignment is clear, unambiguous,
easy to read, and not wordy.
• If possible, vary your assignments so some topics are
challenging to stronger students, but allow some easier
topics (such as a biographical paper) for weaker
students.
• Encourage your students to visit the library's Reference
Desk as soon as possible for individual assistance
before beginning their library project.
