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University of Iowa

University Libraries

Engineering Research 201: Instructional Support

This engineering research guide will help faculty and researchers to navigate library resources and services.
Instructional Support

1. Pick a modality 

  • Face-to-face instruction:
    • In person: in a Library classroom (Bradenton and Venice) or in your classroom (Lakewood Ranch). 
    • Length and topics can be adjusted (see menu), assessment quizzes provided in the classroom or as follow-up.
  • Hybrid instruction:
    • Combination of a short face-to-face presentation with virtual interaction (before or after).
    • Two options:
      • Flipped lesson: students watch videos or materials before coming to the Library for a follow-up or Q&A in person.
      • Short lecture lesson: librarian presents a 15-minute demonstration in the Library, and students can ask questions later by email/chat/etc. Can also be followed by watching videos and video tutorials.
    • Quizzes for assessment can be provided.
  • Virtual instruction/asynchronous:
    • Instructional materials, prepared for your course (video tutorials, customized lists or guides, etc. )
    • These can be embedded in Canvas.
    • Librarians accessible for follow-ups.
    • Quizzes can be provided for assessment after watching the videos or using the materials. 
  • Virtual instruction live/synchronous:
    • Live on Zoom. Students can join from the classroom or from home. Zoom offers closed captions.
    • Interactive, in real time, including Q&A. 
    • Quizzes provided for assessment at the end of the lesson. 

2. Select topics: 

Option #

Title / Suggested time

Content

1

Overview of Library Services
  • Library services policy
  • Library resources (print & digital)
  • Library website overview

2

General Research: Basic
  • How to research with Library resources
  • Types of sources and purposes
  • How to find books, eBooks, & more
  • How to use Databases with examples/recommended

3

General Research: Advanced
  • Requires students having taken Basic first.
  • Advanced research strategies, Boolean operators, etc.
  • Searching tips and tools in catalog and databases
  • Applying filters and other techniques to refine results

4

Specific Topics Research
  • Recommended databases and resources for specific topics.
  • Searching techniques and suggestions for specific disciplines or topics.

5

Documentation/Citing
  • Brief overview of plagiarism and documentation/ethics
  • How to cite most common sources
  • How to find and use citation tools or guides

6

Evaluation of Sources
  • How to evaluate sources for accuracy, relevance, etc.

Optional: Activity using an evaluation tool, e.g. CRAAP test or other (allow more time).

7

Standards
  • Overview of standards, building codes, and protocols including ISO, ASTM, CFR, etc.
  • How to find and request access
  • Searching techniques and applying filters

Optional: Activity showing examples of standards and search strategies (allow more time).

8

Intellectual Property (Patents & Trademarks)
  • Overview of intellectual property including patents and trademarks
  • How to find and understanding of various types and systems.
  • Searching techniques and applying filters

Optional: Group Activity with known patented items to show search strategies and design concepts (allow more time).

9

 

Custom lesson

 
  • Special lesson, activity, or series of lessons aligned with a specific learning outcome, topic, project, or assignment.
  • Can be presented live/synchronous on Zoom, or in a series of videos and tutorials.

Please collaborate with librarians to design a lesson for your specific needs.