ASSIGNMENTS: CREATING EFFECTIVE LIBRARY ASSIGNMENTS 

> Select Appropriate Tools

> Search Efficiently

> Select Relevant Information Resources

> Retrieve Resources

> Critically Evaluate Resources

> Cite Resources

Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education

Librarians are experts in locating learning materials and assist in constructing resource-based assignments that promote understanding of content, critical thinking, and information literacy skills.

 There are many ways to incorporate the use of library resources into class assignments without requiring a research paper.

 Smaller scale assignments help students build confidence in their own research abilities.

An effective assignment:

• has a specific, understood purpose.
• relates to some aspect of course subject matter or learning objectives.
• leads to increased understanding of a subject or the process of locating information related to a subject.
• makes students aware of the variety of information sources and formats available (e.g., print, electronic, microform, video).
• teaches students to select and evaluate quality information sources appropriate to their topics.
• reinforces habits of ethical scholarship.

From: University of St. Thomas Library (Jan. 7, 2009)

8/3/09