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Library Instruction Goals for WRTG 105

Goal 1: Locate and utilize a broad spectrum of library resources.

In an age where the sea of information is constantly expanding, knowing where to look for quality information is a vital skill. In order to complete their assignments, students need to know where to locate materials in the library, both physically and online. WRTG 105 research skills instruction can teach students how to utilize the resources available through Milne Library.

A librarian can design a lesson that incorporates locating information via:

  • Journal databases
  • Information Delivery Services (IDS)
  • Physical materials through GLOCAT
  • Archival and special collections materials

Objectives:

  1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of where to access materials through databases or the library catalog.
  2. Students will be capable of searching for information in multidisciplinary and/or subject-specific databases.
  3. Students will be able to request items through IDS.

 

Goal 2: Evaluate sources for use in a variety of contexts.

Students have a wealth of information available to them, and they need to know how to determine if the content they select is appropriate for their assignments. WRTG 105 research skills instruction can provide students with the strategies they need to evaluate information and choose appropriate sources.

A librarian can design a lesson that incorporates evaluating information such as:

  • Comparing peer-reviewed, scholarly, and non-academic information
  • Determining appropriate context—where/when to use a particular source
  • Recognizing propaganda (aka “fake news”)

Objectives:

  1. Students will be able to determine their information needs.
  2. Students will be able to distinguish between scholarly and non-scholarly sources, and identify when a source is peer-reviewed.
  3. Students will be able to identify when to use different types of information.

 

Goal 3: Integrate sources into arguments.

One of the hallmarks of academic writing is the ability to make evidenced-based arguments. As we move into an era where fact and fiction are blurred, it is vital to teach students how to how to develop informed positions and use information ethically. As part of that, WRTG 105 research skills instruction can help students understand how to integrate sources into their writing and the reasons for citing their sources.

A librarian can design a lesson about integrating sources such as:

  • Incorporating ideas through in-text citation
  • Formatting citations according to a particular manual of style
  • Preventing plagiarism, including paraphrasing information

Objectives:

  1. Students will be able to extract information from their sources in order to support or reject an argument.
  2. Students will be able to identify when they need to credit ideas that are not their own.
  3. Students will be able to recognize the need for citation conventions in their writing.

Contact:

Brandon West

Milne 206B
(585) 245-5193
westb@geneseo.edu