Instead of being surprised at the last minute, have the Library Assignment Service assist you with your assignment as it is being developed. Of course, if you have an assignment already constructed, we would be happy to help with that one, too. We can give you an idea as to how successful your assignment will be before your students ever read the syllabus. No unanswerable research questions. No frustrated students.
Many students are afraid of the library.
It's automated-card catalogs have gone the way of the dinosaur. Paper periodical indexes have been replaced or supplemented by electronic versions. Books all start to look alike when there are so many in one place. For serious students, learning how an academic library works is an activity which takes time and energy. You can further help them overcome frustration and fears by arranging for a Library Orientation which has been tailored to your assignment.