Presented at LILAC 2018

1. Start with the
assumption that
the professor
values the library.
They wouldn’t use
it if they didn’t.
What to do with less-
than-great assignments
Better use
of the library
Stronger
assignments
Meaningful
partnerships
Libraries
Meet in person (or email)
Start a conversation with the
professor so you can transition
from fulfilling instruction
requests to a partnership.
No meeting? Free rein!
Seriously—you tried! Decide
what you want the students to
achieve and plan exactly that.
Example: A Typical
Scavenger Hunt
S
TRATEGIES
OBJECTIVES
A general familiarity
with the library
Get students into
the stacks to browse
and find books
No guidance from
professor, so it’s
up to you!
Use the motivation
to plan the activity
Turn it into something that is
related to what the students are
working on, or something that
promotes your library/collection.
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2
3
The library is your oyster! Think of things
around a theme (services, special spaces,
or a notable collection) and structure the
lesson around that. Match the theme to
the class if possible.
Have students identify topics they need
to research or are interested in. You might
need to do a little brainstorming with them.
Limit their search to physical items so they
learn how to find things but do not limit
them to only books; allow them to find
DVDs or magazines as well.
Highlight useful academic services like course
reserves, finding required books or articles,
poster printing for final presentations, group
work space for group projects, etc.
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Their Motivation
Your Plan
Coping with Mediocrity
Elizabeth Webster
The Solution