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Creating Effective Research Assignments

Library Research Assignments: What Works, What Doesn’t

Why Assign Research?

In order to succeed academically and navigate our information society, students need experience and practice in locating, evaluating, and using information. Many college students are confident in their ability to use the Internet but have limited information skills, have difficulty discerning reliable facts from misinformation, and seldom verify the information they find. By assigning research, you help students to develop information competency. 

A research assignment is integral to the learning experience and it can be designed in such a way as to encourage students to actively seek information, retrieve it successfully, evaluate it critically and apply it in creative ways.

This guide provides advice for developing effective assignments based on information research.Use the menu on the left to navigate the guide.  Contact any librarian to assist you with developing or refining your research-based assignments.

Contact MVCC Libraries

Chat bubbles Chat with a Librarian, 24/7

Phone ringing Call:

Utica 

Research Help: 315-792-5561

Circulation Desk: 315-792-5408

Rome 

Research Help & Circulation Desk: 315-334-7728

Smartphone Text:

315-508-4464

We respond as quickly as possible when open; when closed, we respond within one business day. 

Email envelope Email:

General library email: library@mvcc.edu.

Find individual staff members in our Staff Directory.

Our response rate is typically within 1 business day. 

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