Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/494035
Central Michigan University Library instruction programs assist university students with finding relevant and reliable sources for research papers and projects. The CMU Libraries offer opportunities for students to take a library research course, learn from interactive classroom visits and engage with reference librarians while learning online. B u i l d i n g a fo u n d a t i o n i n re s e a rc h Students enroll in the course, Introduction to Library Information Research, to establish a foundation in information research strategies. "Partnering with the librarians to teach students research strategies produces students who write papers with much more deep and rich analysis," says Cathy Willermet, CMU anthropology professor. The course teaches practical research skills, including locating information in electronic and print sources, and defining researchable topics, as well as evaluating, citing and using information. M a k i n g a n e x t r a e f fo r t t o h e l p s t u d e n t s Global Campus librarians works with more than 100 classes online and in person each year. The reference department visits more than 300 classrooms per year to provide detailed, hour-long bibliographic instruction on the research services available. "We want students to be comfortable searching and using our resources," said Stephanie Mathson, reference librarian. "More importantly, we want them to have an understanding of the tools and know how to access the materials." Enhancing These interactive sessions are custom designed for each course and help students become independent learners. E x p a n d i n g re s e a rc h a s s i s t a n c e a c ro s s t h e g l o b e The Global Campus reference desk has literally taken CMU's library instruction across the world through its online assistance service offering nearly 200 class sessions per year. The instruction can occur for students wherever they are taking online courses. "Library instruction is now available for the University's many online courses through face-to-face web communication," Tim Peters, reference librarian said. "The virtual instruction is provided through a relevant research module followed by a web-based conversation with a global campus librarian." These instruction services assist students to identify and use information resources that enrich the research process and outcomes for students. • L i b r a r y o f fe r s i n s t r u c t i o n c o u r s e s o n c a m p u s a n d a ro u n d t h e g l o b e B y J o s h Pa l m e r 8