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Most students have limited library research experience. Project Information Literacy conducted a national survey about college students’ research habits:

Information literacy infographic
Download the PDF version of the above image.

Here are some ideas that will help make a library research assignment also a successful learning experience:

  • Schedule a course-integrated library instruction session.
  • Consult with a librarian before making the assignment.
  • Put your liaison’s name on your syllabus. 
  • Design your assignment so that students will learn or reinforce skills they can use in the future.
  • Important: Complete the assignment yourself before you assign it to your students.
  • Make sure the library has the resources your class needs.
  • Require students to find, evaluate, and use information in a meaningful and relevant way.
  • Divide the assignment into segments to help students stay on track.
  • Avoid scavenger hunts. Hunting for obscure facts does not support learning research methods.
  • Focus on content rather than format. Online sources may be more appropriate than print sources.
  • Avoid the “mob scene.” If many students will have to use the same print materials, put them on reserve.
  • Explain the assignment clearly to the students, preferably in writing.
  • Define research terms such as “scholarly” or “peer reviewed.”
  • Provide students with examples of good assignments and highlight appropriate elements.
  • Give students enough time to complete the assignment successfully. Remind students that even under the best circumstances, good research takes time.
  • Encourage students to ask for help.
  • Encourage students to be critical of all types of sources and evaluate the information they find.

Mervyn H. Sterne Library

917 13th St S
Birmingham, AL

(205) 934-6364

Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences

1700 University Blvd
Birmingham, AL

(205) 975-4821

Reynolds-Finley Historical Library

1700 University Blvd - 3rd Floor
Birmingham, AL

(205) 934-4475

Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences

1700 University Blvd - 3rd Floor
Birmingham, AL

(205) 934-4475

Lister Hill Library at University Hospital

615 18th Street S - P235 West Pavilion
Birmingham, AL

(205) 934-2275

801 Building

801 5th Ave South
Room 1111
Birmingham, AL

(205) 934-5432

J. Ellis Sparks Medical Library

301 Governors Drive SE - 3rd Floor
Huntsville, AL 35801

(256) 551-4405

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