Most students have limited library research experience. Project Information Literacy conducted a national survey about college students’ research habits:

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Here are some ideas that will help make a library research assignment also a successful learning experience:

• Schedule a course-integrated library instruction session.
• Consult with a librarian before making the assignment.
• Put your liaison’s name on your syllabus. 
• Design your assignment so that students will learn or reinforce skills they can use in the future.
• Important: Complete the assignment yourself before you assign it to your students.
• Make sure the library has the resources your class needs.
• Require students to find, evaluate, and use information in a meaningful and relevant way.
• Divide the assignment into segments to help students stay on track.
• Avoid scavenger hunts. Hunting for obscure facts does not support learning research methods.
• Focus on content rather than format. Online sources may be more appropriate than print sources.
• Avoid the “mob scene.” If many students will have to use the same print materials, put them on reserve.
• Explain the assignment clearly to the students, preferably in writing.
• Define research terms such as “scholarly” or “peer reviewed.”
• Provide students with examples of good assignments and highlight appropriate elements.
• Give students enough time to complete the assignment successfully. Remind students that even under the best circumstances, good research takes time.
• Encourage students to ask for help.
• Encourage students to be critical of all types of sources and evaluate the information they find.