Similarly, we may have added new and more comprehensive resources since you created the assignment and we want to ensure our students are familiar with the latest electronic information tools. Make sure there is enough information on a topic before assigning it. Assume your students have never used a library for academic research. Unfortunately, few students arrive at college equipped with the necessary research skills to succeed in college level research. Don't assume they know what a citation, bibliography, or an index is.
Students focus primarily on filling in the blanks rather than learning sound research techniques.
Contact a librarian when you assign a library research project. We can provide better assistance when we know what to expect and when to expect them. If you can, schedule a library instruction session before the assignment is given. The amount of information on the web seems to multiply faster than stray socks in the dryer, and like the usefulness of stray socks, web sites found via search engines can be questionable at best. If you're looking to shop, indulge your interests and hobbies, or cook up a mean tuna casserole, by all means grab your surfboard and hit the e-waves.