Research Instruction - Information for Faculty

Library 101 is a self-paced online mini course designed to teach students essential library research skills in about an hour. All students are automatically enrolled and can access the course 24/7 from any device.

Perfect for: First-year composition courses, research methods classes, or any course requiring library research skills.

The mini course consists of five modules plus pre- and post-course surveys.

Module 1: Library Services and Getting Help

Students learn to navigate the library as both a physical and virtual space:

• Library location and layout
• Computers and printing services
• Seating options: carrels, tables, and study rooms
• Quiet zones for focused study
• Borrowing books and accessing Course Reserves
• Library hours, calendar, and website navigation
• How to contact librarians for research assistance

Module 2: Understanding Source Types

Students develop critical evaluation skills by learning to distinguish between:

• Background sources - books and reference materials for topic overview
• Popular sources - newspapers and magazines for current events and general interest
• Scholarly sources - peer-reviewed journal articles for academic research

Module 3: Finding Books

Students master the library catalog system:

• Accessing the Library Catalog
• Effective keyword searching techniques
• Understanding book records: availability status, location, table of contents
• Using subject headings for related materials
• "Show on Map/MAP IT!" feature for locating items in the library

Module 4: Online Reference Sources

Students learn strategic research planning:

• Starting with reference sources to build background knowledge and get a topic overview
• Credo Reference - multidisciplinary reference database
• Britannica Academic - scholarly encyclopedia access
• Science Online - specialized science reference materials

Module 5: Finding Peer-Reviewed Articles in HawkFind

Students develop advanced database searching skills:

• Accessing HawkFind and understanding what it searches
• What peer-review is and why it's important for academic research
• Creating effective searches with keywords and phrases
• Using filters: publication dates, subject terms, academic disciplines
• Search strategies: broadening and narrowing results for optimal findings

Assignment Integration Options

Early Semester Foundation

• Assign completion before first research assignment
• Students arrive at library research instruction sessions better prepared
• Reduces time spent on basic concepts during in-person sessions

Research Assignment Preparation

• Require completion before beginning research papers or projects
• Students have baseline knowledge of library resources and search strategies

Supplemental Learning

• Use as follow-up reinforcement after library research instruction sessions
• Assign specific modules that align with course research requirements
• Provide additional practice with library tools and concepts

Assessment and Verification

Certificate of Completion

• Students must achieve 100% on all five module quizzes
• Students must complete both pre- and post-course surveys
• PDF certificate available for download as proof of completion
• You set your own deadline: doesn't need to match library prize drawing dates

Faculty Implementation

• No setup required: all students already have access
• Flexible deadlines: set completion dates that work for your course schedule
• No grading needed: modules include built-in assessment
• Easy verification: students download certificates as proof

Student Use

• Easy access: located in eCampus along with student's other courses
• Mobile-friendly: complete on any device
• Self-paced: work around class and work schedules
• Built-in support: contact information provided throughout
• Progress tracking: clear indication of completion status