Collaboration on Library Assignments

Collaboration on Library Assignments

Assume minimal library knowledge and research savvy

Assume your students know very little about the research process and provide instruction in class to get them started. If needed, a librarian can present this information to the class.

Define web resources

If you plan on limiting your students’ use of web sources make sure to clarify what you mean by a "web source." Educate them as to the difference between the paid academic sources (databases, ejournals, ebooks) available through the library website and the open access content found using search engines and Wikipedia.

Encourage your students to get help from a reference librarian

Librarians are available every day and evening by phone, email, or in person.

Consult a librarian about the assignment


Talk to your liaison librarian for advice on giving research assignments that can be done successfully through PUC library resources.

Ask for a library instruction session


If students need to do extensive library research, consider inviting a librarian to present an overview of databases and other resources available to assist them in successfully completing their assignment.

Avoid asking the entire class to research identical topics

To minimize competition for print resources, if every student in a class is to use the same item, put the material on reserve.