Introducing First-Year Students to the Library: Activities for Building Research Skills
To help students see the library as a vital resource for academic success, we’ve developed engaging activities based on the ACRL Framework that encourage exploration and build a strong foundation for future research.
Activities to Build Research Confidence
1. Reference Librarian Visit
Have students bring real research questions to a librarian—e.g., “How do I know if this source is credible?” or “Where else should I be searching?”
Frameworks: Research as Inquiry, Searching as Strategic Exploration
2. Model the Research Process
Demonstrate how you would research an unfamiliar topic. Show how you choose search terms, navigate databases, and troubleshoot. Or invite a librarian to lead a session.
Frameworks: Research as Inquiry, Searching as Strategic Exploration
3. Research Log or Reflection
Ask students to reflect on their research process: What worked? What didn’t? What would they do differently next time?
Frameworks: Research as Inquiry, Searching as Strategic Exploration
4. Databases vs. Internet
Have students search the same topic using both the open web and a library database. Compare the types and quality of sources they find.
Frameworks: Authority is Constructed and Contextual, Information Creation as a Process, Searching as Strategic Exploration
5. Find Full Text
Give students a list of citations and ask them to locate the full texts using library tools. Discuss challenges, formats, and access issues.
Frameworks: Information Creation as a Process, Information Has Value
