We prototype the exercise in the first year, then work to keep it as a continuing requirement. Most importantly, we try to minimize the burden on instructors by providing support for instruction, exercise design, grading, and student assistance. Specific performance measures have been defined in each competency area. Competency is demonstrated through required exercises, independent assignments and online testing. The instructor assigns 6 topics.
Students choose a topic, then state a question related to it in narrative form.
The Library provides a demo search before the assignment, gives out search instructions and tip sheets, collects and grades assignments. The instructor talks about WWW resources during a class, and assigns each CPC leader to turn in the URL of a Web resource appropriate to the case. Instructor reviews the web searches and passes them on to the Library. The Library works with the instructor to develop criteria for scoring and refine the exercise. Most students located the same 2-3 target documents for each topic.