Library Research for ENGL100/101/302

The University Libraries are committed to helping students develop the research skills necessary for them to succeed in our information rich society. The library staff continually works to develop resources and services that faculty and students may use to enhance teaching and learning experiences in composition courses.

Motivating students to learn and apply sound research concepts has proven to be difficult in light of their expectations for convenient web-based delivery of content. Because the library is not an option they prefer, library instruction is often viewed as unnecessary, meaningless busy work unrelated to the writing process. Library instruction must be retooled as research instruction that convinces students that using the library, and its many resources (print and electronic), is not just an option but is actually a more efficient method of finding information acceptable for college assignments. To be most effective, research instruction needs to be presented as an integrated part of the writing process over the course of the semester.

ENGL100/101
For ENGL100/101, the Library in conjunction with the Composition Program has developed Research in Action. This web site supports the Composition Program’s efforts to address information literacy and technology across the curriculum goals. Research in Action is not an exercise but rather a resource that explains important research concepts and the basics of using the library catalog. The site should be incorporated into class discussions about research and used in association with a specific research assignment(s). Students should perceive the site as information from the library to help them conduct more successful research for your course.

A note on library tours
Because there are so many sections of ENGL100/101, with as many as 100 sections in the fall semester alone, the library staff is not able to coordinate library tours when students are given research assignments. We therefore do not offer library tours or research skills classes for ENGL100/101.

ENGL302
The Library does offer research skills classes for ENGL302. Faculty participation is encouraged not only in preparing specific content for the class, but also in discussion during the presentation. Reflecting the Composition Program’s process approach to writing instruction, the Library staff can help faculty integrate the research “process” into the course design.

Faculty should schedule research skills classes as close as possible to when students will actually be working on their research assignments. Some instructors have found that multiple library classes during the semester helps to reinforce research skills. It is helpful to send the library liaison a copy of the research assignment(s) when the library research session is scheduled. The library's instruction facilities are heavily used, so it is never too early to schedule research sessions.

Scott Watkins is the library's Head of Educational Services and Liaison to the Composition Program and coordinates library research sessions. Contact him at swatkin6@gmu.edu or 703-993-9404.