Research at the UWM Libraries  Tags: research articles library books  

Searchpath is a multi-module online tutorial highlighting research resources of the UWM Libraries and general tips for using and evaluating information. Many instructors find it useful to have their classes go through this tutorial before they attend a library instruction session--you can even link to it from your D2L course page!

If you would like to familiarize yourself with other library resources, or want your students to do so, the UWM Libraries offer workshops and library tours throughout the year.

If you are going to assign your class a research project/paper and you would like your students to use scholarly resources as opposed to whatever they find on the Internet, then you may want to schedule your class for a library instruction session. TAs and instructors may bring their classes to the library during class time for instruction in using research materials and electronic resources. These sessions can be designed around your course assignments (ideally, you would want to bring your class in before they start their research). Librarians will:

• work with you to learn what your students need to know to successfully complete assignments

• suggest specific research materials that will work, including electronic resources and library databases that are going to retrieve relevant books and articles

• help your students narrow their topics

• explain the difference between popular magazines and scholarly journals

• work with you to design a session that complements the goals of your course or specific assignment (Students find the sessions most useful when they coincide with a relelvant class assignment)

Library instruction sessions are usually held in one of two library labs so that we can include hands-on activities to allow students to practice using electronic resources.

You may also request a librarian make a drop-in visit to your class or department computer lab. We can also help you to link to the library's interactive tutorials from your D2L course page. Another option using D2L is to invite a "lurking librarian" into your D2L discussion room when it is time to discuss research strategies (if your class is totally online, please consult with the Distance Education Librarian before assigning projects). 

To set up a library instruction session, fill out a Course Integrated Instruction form or for more information, contact the Library Instruction Coordinator, Molly Susan Mathias.