Here are some ideas to get you started, but we would love to customize a session around your assignments. For optimal student impact, consider having a librarian come to your classes for shorter periods several times during the semester.
Contact your librarian to discuss and schedule a session or two today.
Note: Times for these services vary by librarian. Ask your liaison for more details.
Library tour
Tour the library (physically or virtually) and learn where key services are located. (20-30 minutes)
Meet your librarian
Your department's library liaison can visit your classroom and provide a quick overview of the services offered at the Krueger Library. (time varies)
Do research using the library catalog
Learn how to access books, DVDs and other materials in the Krueger Library collection. (10-15 minutes)
Do research using library databases
Learn how to find journal articles in subject-specific databases. Instruction may include choosing databases, identifying and using keywords, using the Find It button, and accessing articles via interlibrary loan. (10-15 minutes per database, more for keyword and Find It instruction)
Citation hopping
Learn how to use bibliographies to find additional articles. Instruction includes how to read a citation, finding articles using Periodical Titles List or Citation Linker and requesting articles via interlibrary loan. (15-20 minutes)
Evaluating websites
Learn how to evaluate the credibility of websites based on authority, purpose or intended audience, currency, objectivity and support. (10-25 minutes)
Scholarly vs. popular
Learn the meaning of and differences between scholarly, trade, and popular journals. Also, learn how to narrow results to scholarly or peer-reviewed in databases. (10-20 minutes)
Plagiarism
Learn what plagiarism is, and how and when to cite sources for effective research and writing. (15-20 minutes)
Citation basics
Learn the basics of APA, MLA, or Chicago style. This can be combined with work sessions for students to work on bibliographies. (25 minutes-?)
RefWorks or Zotero basics
Learn the basics of RefWorks and set up a RefWorks account. Some librarians also offer instruction on Zotero; please check with your liaison for specific bibliographic management tool support. (20 minutes)
How to read a scholarly article
Discuss the basic structure of a scholarly article in your field, and how to effectively read articles for assignments in your class. (15-20 minutes)
Work session
Work on your assignment in class, with a librarian present and circulating. Students get their research questions answered at the point of need. Combine with another short instruction module for the best learning opportunity. (20-30 minutes)
