Lesson Plan: Better Searching ~ Better Marks

Subject of Lesson

In this hands-on session, the student will learn search strategies in order to efficiently find books, journal articles, and web resources.

Learning Objectives (Covers ACRL Standards One, Two, Three)

  • Students will learn Boolean logic in order to construct complex searches
  • Students will implement Boolean logic to search for books, journal articles, and web resources
  • Students will evaluate websites

Standard One:The information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed.

Standard Two: The information literate student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.

Standard Three:The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected

information into his or her knowledge base and value system.

Content Outline / Methods*
*Address different learning styles: use text, video, pictures, graphs...
*Ensure understanding: stop & ask for questions; rephrase, re-iterate
I. Introduction
  • Agenda
/ Introduce yourself
  • introduce liaison librarians; how to get help
Agenda
  • list the outcomes of YOUR session, that is, list what you will accomplish at this session

II. Foundations of Boolean Searching (transferable skill) / Define Boolean logic
  • it’s a transferable skill used in OPAC, databases, web sites; applies to information the student encounters
  • define and show: AND, OR, & perhaps NOT
Segue: So how does this apply to real life or to literature searching?
III. OPAC / Demonstrate Boolean searching
  • then students construct & implement a Boolean search
  • talk about problems or issues that crop up
Segue to: this applies to database searching
III. Databases
  • Using Library website
  • Funding/open access issues
  • Search in a Library database
/ Explain journal acquisition
  • the Library purchases journals
  • some journals are “free”
  • open-access (but someone pays, often author)
  • seems free but Library is subscribed
Demonstrate how to choose a database: list, subject guides, etc.
Demonstrate Boolean searching in a subscription database
  • then students construct & implement a Boolean search
  • talk about problems or issues that crop up
Segue to: this applies to web searches
IV.WWW
  • Using non-Library websites
  • Assess websites
  • Boolean search
  • Introduce/use recommended websites/portals/engines
/ Explain “good” information is available on the web but one must use one’s discretion
  • what is a good website?
  • evaluate/assess the web site
  • demonstrate a Boolean search in Google
  • show the default AND search
  • show how to do the OR search and other advanced features
  • show other engines/sites/portals
  • students do a search in engine of choice