- Check with a librarian to ensure that the SCAD Libraries can support the assignment’s requirements
- Because of the dynamic and ever–changing nature of our resources, especially electronic information, even assignments and guides used previously may need updating.
- Don’t assume students already know how to use the library or can successfully navigate its complex information environment
- Request a Information Literacy instruction session and encourage students to "Ask a Librarian" (in person, via email, and via chat) for help at the beginning and throughout the research process. Even upper–class and graduate students can be intimidated by the complexities of library resources.
- Offer general suggestions for resources, rather than limiting students to particular titles or formats
- Since particular resources may only be available electronically or in print, both traditional print sources and Web documents may be necessary for research on most topics.
- Do specify what category of resources you require or prefer; e.g., scholarly journal articles, primary sources, subscription databases available through SCAD Libraries’ Web pages.
- Share your assignments – including the due date – with the Librarians
- We can be prepared for last minute demand and inform staff of the "Ask A Librarian" service as to the nature of the assignment in anticipation of answering questions from students.
- Provide a reasonable time frame for the completion of the assignment
- Give your students enough time to request materials through interlibary loan if they are not available at SCAD Libraries.
- Do the assignment yourself to see how long it takes before you decide how long students need to do it, allowing for their inexperience and for request of materials.
- Consider the availability of information sources, especially those in print
- If it is necessary for all students in the class to use the same library materials; e.g., the same volume of a specific journal, edition/copy of a book, consider putting the item(s) on Course Reserves so all students can access them.
Tips adapted from MSU Libraries
