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