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What resources should my students be using?

 Computer Lab













It really depends on the course and the nature of the assignment, but the "short and sweet" answer is below, followed by more detailed information.

Print Sources

Reference
    Most of the time, students should be starting out in the Reference area. The reference librarians can refer them to highly specialized encyclopedias dealing with their topic (as opposed to 'general' encyclopedias, such as World Book or Britannica) as well as other References sources.
Library Catalog
    Students should also be searching the library Catalog to find other books and materials related to their topic.


Online Databases
    Searching online databases is a great way for your students to find scholarly journal articles, as well as magazine, newspaper and encyclopedia articles. By far, the two most popular and useful databases are Academic Search Premier and Expanded Academic ASAP.

WWW Resources
    Some assignments lend themselves very well to using the WWW as a resource; others do not. If you decide to allow your students to use the Web, here are some suggested resources. Students should...

  • Check out our list of recommended web sites

      • The Edens Library staff has selected numerous web sites from across several disciplines that have proven helpful to students, staff, and faculty. To access these sites, from the library's homepage, click on Find WWW Resources, then Sites by Subject. Select the category of the topic you are researching. A list of recommended web sites will appear. (Go to Sites By Subject)
  • Check out Librarians' Internet Index

      • Tired of Google's overkill? Librarians' Internet Index is a great alternative web site! LII web sites are hand-picked by librarians from across the nation. So your students will get fewer, higher-quality hits.
  • But if your students still want to surf the Web...
      • It's a wild and woolly Web out there! How can your students tame it? Encourage them to check out our tips for evaluating World Wide Web resources!


    People & Services
    The most important part of what we do!

    Reference Librarians
      Some students tend to be shy when it comes to asking for help. So it never hurts to encourage them to seek one-on-one assistance from a Reference Librarian. During the regular semester, the library is open 84 hours per week (see regular library hours) and a Reference Librarian is on duty much of that time (see Reference Desk hours). Your students can also call us at 803-786-3703.

    Academic Skills Center (ASC)
      Concerned about your students' writing skills? The Academic Skills Center is here to help!

      The friendly folks at the ASC are ready and willing to help your students! It's probably best for them to visit the ASC to set up an appointment, but they may also call 786-3633.

      The ASC is located in the library on the bottom floor in Room 119.

    IT/Overton Media Center Staff

      Are your students working on a multi-media project? Are they experiencing difficulty with using software? The friendly and knowledgeable folks in the Overton Media Center are here to help!

      Students can either come in to receive help or call the Help Desk at 786-3007.

      The Overton Media Center is located in the library on the bottom floor across from the Academic Skills Center and is open the same hours as the library.



    Can I bring my class in for a library instruction session?
    How do I go about scheduling one?
    Is there anything I should know about scheduling a session? (top of page)

    Last Fall (2008), we did a Fall Faculty Workshop on this very topic and many folks found our handout useful. So we've put it online for your convenience.

  • Library Instruction Sessions: The Basics
    •



    If I'm not able to bring my class in, is there a way I can have a research guide designed for my class and their assignment? (top of page)

    Absolutely! While it's always a good idea to bring your class in for an instruction session, we also know that sometimes it's just not going to be possible. We are more than happy to collaborate with you in order to design an assignment-specific research guide that you and your students will find helpful.
       
    Page created by Sarah Hood
    Last modified: 5/27/09
    [Columbia College]
    [Edens Library, Columbia South Carolina]