As part of the Information Literacy program, your department's Library Liaison is available to collaborate and assist with assignment design and instruction on research strategies.

Bring your class to the library, or we can visit your classroom. The modules listed below provide a sample of the various types of instruction sessions that the library faculty routinely teach. Although the descriptions are generic, the examples and search terms used in the instruction session will relate to your specific assignment and course.

An instruction session may incorporate more than one module as time permits. Instruction sessions are tailored to your course and class assignment; therefore, one week's notice is necessary for preparation of each session.

To schedule an instruction session, check the modules you would like us to teach and complete the form following the modules' descriptions. This information will be sent to your department's liaison librarian. S/ he will contact you to confirm the schedule and discuss specific details for the session.

  Introductory Sessions on Library Resources and Services
  The Research Process
  Evaluation of Sources
  Advanced Library Research
  Personalized Research Assistance

Introductory Sessions on Library Resources and Services

How to Find a Book (25 minutes)

"Do we own The Other Side of Silence? Where can I find The Merchant of Venice?" This session will demonstrate how to use Illinet Online to identify and locate books in the IWU library and to find and request books online from other libraries. This session presents more advanced search features than Basic Introduction to the Library. Network connection needed.

How to Find an Article (25 minutes)

"Where can I find three articles about child abuse?" In this session we will provide an overview of how to navigate various electronic databases and indexes that provide the journal and magazine article citations that students need. We'll also offer tips on exactly how to locate these articles, whether it's available as full text online, within the library, or through our interlibrary loan services. The databases used in this session will be selected for relevance to your assignment and course. Please allow more time if you expect more than just an overview of the databases. Network connection needed.

Basic Introduction to the Library (50 minutes)

"How can I begin to find ideas and more information about specific subjects? This session will introduce the basic features of the online library catalog, Illinet Online. We will examine basic search strategies as well as introduce subject-related information and helpful links located on the library homepage. Additionally we will review pertinent library policies and procedures (circulation, ILL, reference) and describe where materials are located in the library. Network connection needed.

Basic Introduction to the Internet & the World Wide Web (50 minutes)

Do your students complain about not knowing where to start looking for information on the Internet? Do they have difficulty finding sites suitable for your class assignments? This session will discuss and demonstrate various types of navigation tools available, the most effective applications for each kind of tool, search strategies for increasing relvancy of retrieved web pages, and specific feature of newer search tools. Must be held in the Computer Lab.

Submitting Interlibrary Loan Forms (10-15 minutes)

"Our library doesn't own this book or this article that I need. How do I get them?" This session explains the procedures for requesting books and articles through ILL. It contains a review of requesting materials through the online catalog, databases that automate the procedure, and the library's forms for electronic and paper submission of requests. Network connection needed.

Using Electronic Reserves (15 minutes)

"My professor says that tonight's reading is on electronic reserves. What's that, and how do I find it?" This session provides an introduction to the electronic reserves program and demonstrates the various tools students will use. Network connection needed.

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The Research Process

Selecting a Research Topic (20 minutes)

"How long is this research project going to take? How do I know what will be a good paper topic?" Based on published research studies of undergraduates, this session describes feelings most students have during the research process. Through a small group exercise, students will learn techniques that help to narrow or broaden a topic and to write a thesis statement.

Turning a Topic into an Effective Search Statement (5-15 minutes)

"What words should I choose to do a search on? What should I do if I can't find anything on my topic?" In a group exercise, students will identify the key terms of a topic statement, identify synonyms for those key terms, and develop a search statement that reflects the critical elements of a topic.

Where to Look for Information (20 minutes)

"How do I know when to consult a book rather than a newspaper? What's the difference between the information I find in an encyclopedia and what's in a journal article?" Small group exercises will demonstrate how to analyze an information need and choose appropriate sources. We will discuss the progression in coverage of a topic over time from newspaper articles, journal articles, books, and encyclopedia entries and the advantages of each source.

Citing Web Resources in Research Papers (15 minutes)

"How do I list a web page in my bibliography?" Types of information available electronically seem to be growing so fast it is as if the old print style manuals just can't keep up! Learn the currently accepted standards and correct forms for citing these new resources. The citation style taught will be selected based upon your discipline and preferences. Network connection needed.

Preparing an Annotation (15 minutes)

"What is an annotated bibliography, and how on earth do I create one?" This session covers tips and tricks for creating an annotated bibliography including different types and formats of annotations.

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Evaluation of Sources

Tabloid Literature vs. Scholarly Research: Critical Thinking (20 minutes)

Is tabloid literature ever appropriate for research? What's the difference between a magazine and a journal? Learning through group exercises, students will distinguish between different types of resources and determine for which levels of research each type is appropriate. Examples will include a scholarly journal, a trade magazine, a popular press book, and a monograph.

Evaluating Sources: Critical Thinking (20-30 minutes)

Are you a cautious consumer of information? Do you wish your students would consider whether or not information is accurate, up-to-date, and authoritative? In this session, students learn what criteria should be applied to information and information filters such as books, web sites, article indexes and other reference sources. A large group exercise helps students apply the criteria to actual information sources. This session focuses on the content and quality of a particular resource; for the evaluation of information sources see Tabloid Literature vs. Scholarly Research: Critical Thinking. Must be held in a computer lab.

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Advanced Library Research 

Exploring Lexis/ Nexis (30 minutes)

Need current business, news, medical, or legal information? Need statistical or governmental information? Want the full text available online? Students will learn how to navigate features of the popular Lexis/ Nexis database. Must be held in a computer lab.

Finding Book Reviews (25 minutes)

"I'm supposed to write a book review and include comments from other reviewers of the same book. Where do I start?" This session will outline timesaving strategies for finding book reviews using a variety of print and electronic resources. Network connection needed.

How to Find Government Information (30-45 minutes)

"Where can I find information about AIDS published by the Center for Disease Control? How can I see if the Environmental Protection Agency has published anything on global warming?" The government publishes information on every possible aspect of life, but finding that information often feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. This session covers print and electronic resources that will identify and locate government information. It can be tailored to the city, state, or federal levels as appropriate. Network connection needed.

Primary Sources (partial of full class period)

"What are primary sources? Where and how do I locate them?" Students will be introduced to the unique features and research value of primary source documents held at The Ames Library and elsewhere. Materials discussed may include IWU's historical material held in the University Archives, print and manuscript sources held in Special Collections, and The Ames Library's extensive microform collection of historical newspapers and early printed books. Research strategies for locating primary source material on Illinet Online and on the World Wide Web will be demonstrated.

Biographical Research (25 minutes)

"Where should I look for information about this artist I have to write a paper on? How can I find more information about the author of this book?" Students will be able to answer questions similar to these after learning where and how to find biographical information using a variety of print and electronic sources. Network connection needed.

Using Statistical Sources (20 minutes)

How has the Consumer Price Index varied over the past decade? How many Americans died in 1998 due to pneumonia? Students will identify key resources for statistics relating to your class's particular subject area. Network connection needed.

Finding News from Foreign Countries (25 minutes)

"How can I find sources about peace in the Middle East from the perspective of citizens living in that area?" Students will learn techniques for finding sources for foreign news. Sources discussed may be tailored to those in English or in the native language(s). Network connection needed.

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Personalized Research Assistance

Hands-on Research Time (partial or full class period)

Have you ever wanted your own personal librarian? Would your students benefit from a specific time for research when a library faculty member was guaranteed to be available to answer their questions? Reserve the Internet Lab to allow your class to begin their research with the assistance of one of the library faculty. Must be held in the Library.

Individual Consultation

Teaching a senior seminar or capstone course? Directing an honors or senior research project? Library faculty are available to provide individual research training sessions focused upon the student's current research. Individualized instruction is not intended to replace classroom instruction. Must be held in the Library.

Design your own

Don't see what you're looking for? Library faculty are ready to collaborate with you to design an instruction session that meets the specific information needs of your students.

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