Use of Links header graphic

What is LINKS?
 Who Is It Designed For?
How Can I Add LINKS to My Angel Course Site?
 How Can Instructors Effectively Use LINKS with Their Courses?
 Does LINKS Replace Library Instruction?

What Is LINKS?
LINKS is a self-instructional tutorial designed to teach LCC students basic library and research skills. It covers the research process from initial topic selection to citation styles and the issue of plagiarism. There is a link to LINKS on the LCC Library instruction services homepage. LINKS is organized into six modules:

Module 1 | Choosing Sources
 Covers types of information sources students can use for their research topics.
Module 2 | Creating a Search Strategy
 Covers topic selection and how to create a search strategy.
Module 3 | Using the Library Catalog
 Demonstrates ways to search the catalog.
Module 4 | Finding Articles in Research Databases
 Describes how to use InfoTrac OneFile.
Module 5 | Using the Web
 Covers finding information on the Web.
Module 6 | Citing Sources
 Describes how to cite research sources. Includes the topics of plagiarism and copyright

Each of the six sections takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Each module is followed by a short quiz.

Who Is It Designed For?
LINKS is designed for students in classes with introductory-level research.

How Can I Add LINKS to My Angel Course Site?
If your courses include an online component, you might consider placing a link to one or more modules or the complete LINKS tutorial on a course page, either as part of an assignment or as an added resource for students. Students can save quiz results in Rich Text Format and email them to you.
See directions on how to add the LINKS URL to an Angel course page.

How Can Instructors Effectively Use LINKS with Their Courses?
 Instructors can assign one or all LINKS modules to introduce students to the research skills needed for course assignments. Students can complete LINKS modules on their own time and turn in quiz results to you if you wish.

Instructors who schedule library instruction sessions with a librarian might consider asking students to complete LINKS before the instruction session. This would permit more time during the instruction session to focus on specific library resources.

Each LINKS module is followed by a short quiz and a results page which provides a summary of questions answered right or wrong and an overall percentage score for that module. The results pages can be printed out with the student’s name at the top and submitted to you as proof of completion. You could consider giving extra credit to students who complete LINKS.

Does LINKS Replace Library Instruction?
No! We continue to offer course-related library instruction and hope that you will incorporate it into your syllabus. Timing is important! Please schedule library instruction with us for a date after your class has received a research assignment, so students learn about searching databases at a time when they need to know this information.

 Research has shown that:

  • Students learn best and retain most when they need the information.

  • Library instruction is more effective when the course instructor is present.

  • Library instruction is more effective when coordinated with a class assignment.

The LCC Library has a library instruction room which librarians use for computer demonstrations and hands-on training. It is heavily booked, so please schedule early to reserve the date and time you need—at least one week ahead. Requests will be filled on a first-come basis.

To arrange a library instruction session you may do one of the following:

  • Complete a Library Instruction Request form, available at the Reference Desk (2nd floor, TLC) or from the library website: online instruction request

  • Contact Kim Farley, Instruction Services Librarian,
    517/483-1662 or farleyk@lcc.edu

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