Library Instruction Support

CSUN University Librarians are available to assist classroom faculty as you work to develop effective assignments to promote the growth of information literacy and research skills. It is often helpful to consider linking the goals of library research assignments to your course objectives and goals. Below are some key characteristics of effective library research assignments:

• Clarity: Give library research assignments in writing (rather than verbally) to reduce confusion.

• Terminology: Select terminology carefully and define any questionable words. Students tend to take library research assignments at face value and may be confused by terms that they or a librarian cannot interpret definitively. For example, some instructors differentiate between magazines and journals, while others use the terms interchangeably. Does "use the Library's computers" or "use the Internet," mean CSUN OneSearch discovery system, or another computer database? Does an assignment such as "find an article on the Internet" refer to the Internet in general, or one of the Library's paid subscription databases, which often offer full-text versions of magazine and journal articles online? Additionally, do students understand what is meant by "primary" or "secondary" sources (if you require their use)?
• Currency: The University Library regularly updates and adds to its resources. New sources and ways of accessing information occur with increasing frequency. By checking your assignments regularly, you can make certain that you are not asking your students to use outdated or withdrawn sources.
• Appropriate Time Frame: Remember to allow for students' inexperience and for the availability of materials.

To learn more about how to create effective assignments visit: https://libguides.csun.edu/guidelines-effective-research-assignments. 

• Check with your subject specialist librarian in advance of the assignment to ensure availability of and access to, required Library resources.

• Test the assignment beforehand. Try to put yourself in the students' shoes with their experience and perspective, which is probably much more limited than yours ("walk" or "web" it through).

• Request an instructional session for your class to familiarize students with research techniques and sources.

• Tell the students what purpose the research assignment serves.

• Describe the specifics of the assignment (e.g., length, acceptable types of sources, format for references/bibliography - APA, MLA, etc.).

• Provide students with a printed list of sources if there are specific ones you want them to use – and perhaps caution them against sources that you want them to avoid. Include CSUN Library call numbers and/or URLs.

• Library orientation lectures may be requested by calling (818) 677-2277 or by filling out the online lecture request form located at Request an Instructional session.
• A list of Librarian Subject Specialties can be found at: Librarian Subject Specialties.