Instruction a la Carte Menu
- Brainstorming a topic
- Narrowing topics
- Identifying keywords and synonyms
- Finding books and videos on a topic
- Accessing electronic books
- Using call numbers to locate items in the building
- Comparing and contrasting journals vs magazines articles
- Discussing the publication process
- Analyzing sites for credibility
- Understanding when to cite
- Using the APA or MLA Libguides
- Creating a reference and in-text citation for a source
- Using databases like Academic Search Complete to find articles on topics
- Using the "find full text" link to retrieve articles
- Find full text from a bibliography or works cited list
- Reading citations
- Distinguishing between book and article citations
- Finding the full titles of abbreviated journal names
- Using the catalog and journal finder to locate items
- Searching a database to find related articles (especially through the use of subject headings)
- Using Web of Knowledge and other tools to find citation information
- Comparing and distinguishing between: research articles and literature reviews; primary vs. secondary
- Discussing what peer-reviewed means
- How to search for topics in PsycINFO, CINAHL; ERIC; Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, etc.
- How to cite quotes, summaries, and paraphrases
- Recognize a 'good' paraphrase from a 'bad' paraphrase
- Learn strategies to correctly paraphrase
- How to log in to ILL
- How to request an article
- How to access articles received
- Core 201 Library Session = 50 minutes
Searching for scholarly articles: Search strategy and the database most appropriate for your assignment - Candice Benjes-Small, Information Literacy Coordinator (540-831-6801) or cbsmall@radford.edu
- Alyssa Archer (540-831-5688) or aarcher2@radford.edu
- Sarah Smith (540-831-5687) or sismith@radford.edu
- Lisa Vassady (540-831-5686) or ljvassady@radford.edu
- Jennifer Whicker (540-831-7652) or jrwhicker@radford.edu
What is this?
Not sure what we can teach, or how long a topic will take? The below list shows our most popular topics. This is not an exhaustive list; if you would like other resources or topics addressed, we’d be happy to discuss the options with you.
We have two "menus": one is a general list that is applicable to any class (For All Classes), and one that lists offerings for students with some basic library research skills (For Upper Level Classes). We also have a list of "other options" for our Univ 100 and Core A classes.
Topics and Time Requirements
For All Classes| Will your students need to…[time required] | |
Develop a search strategy? (highly recommended) [10 minutes] |
|
Use the library’s catalog to look for books or DVDs? [10 minutes] |
|
Know the difference between popular and scholarly articles? [20 minutes] |
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Evaluate Websites? [50 minutes] |
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Learn how to cite in APA or MLA to avoid plagiarism? [50 minutes-75 minutes] |
|
Use general interest databases to find articles on common, popular topics? [15 minutes per database] |
For Upper Level Classes (Students have library basics)
| Will your students need to… [time required] | |
Mine a good article to discover other relevants sources on their topics? [30 minutes] |
|
Track the literature to find articles which cited an important work? [20 minutes] |
|
Identify the different types of scholarly articles? [15 minutes] |
|
Search specialized databases for their fields? [30 minutes per database] |
|
Avoid plagiarism through correct APA or MLA citations[50-75 minutes] |
|
Request articles and books through Interlibrary Loan? [10 minutes] |
Other Options:
Univ100 Library Challenge! = 50 minutes
Students play a Jeopardy-style game, complete with buzzers and prizes, to learn about McConnell Library. Both faculty and peer instructors are required to attend, and the students need to complete the library exercise in the textbook before attending the session.
Core 102 Library Session I = 50 minutes
Searching for articles: Search strategy and the database most appropriate for your assignment
Core 102 Library Session II = 50 minutes
Evaluating sources: discussion of what is a reputable source, with an emphasis on Web sites.
You may also suggest your students attend Library Survivor workshops. These are a great way to help students with library skills outside of class time.
To set up a library session, use the online form. We ask that you request a session at least one week in advance; you will receive a confirmation usually within 24 hours of its receipt.
You can also contact any of the instruction librarians directly: