Library FYS Sessions

COWLES LIBRARY FYS INSTRUCTION SESSIONS

Essential Elements / Activities

Updated Fall 2011

The lists below are generally descriptive of how a session might run (depending on needs of the class).

Basic concepts all sessions should cover:

• Research Guides are available in every subject major and offer a variety of resources to assist your in your research.
• Librarians are here to help with research and there are many ways to contact a librarian.
• What interlibrary loan is and how to request items.
• The A to Z list of all journal titles Cowles Library has access to, both in print and electronically.
• RefWorks, a bibliographic citation manager.
• How to access library resources remotely through the library’s website and My Drake.

Basic skills that should be demonstrated and worked into an active learning exercise, if possible:

• How to use SuperSearch.
• How to use an individual database (OR SuperSearch, as appropriate for the course) and why a particular database is appropriate.
• Tips for developing search strategies.
• At least one comparative or evaluative example of library tools (e.g., Google Scholar vs. SuperSearch.)
• At least one comparative or evaluative example of sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal vs. popular magazine.)

Additional topics that may be appropriate as time and needs of the session allow:

• Physical location of library resources, such as government documents, printing, photocopiers, microform, compact shelving, Information Desk, Information Commons, and quiet study spaces.
• RefWorks demonstration and sign-up
• eScholarShare and the Drake Heritage Collections