Explorations/Perspectives Classes
What the library can do for Explorations/Perspectives Leaders
Library instruction can help your students with many of the questions they may have as they start to work on their research projects. Often the subject areas for Explorations/Perspectives classes are ones the student may not have studied in the past. Tisch library has many research resources that will be useful for your students, but they are probably not aware of the variety and depth of the resources available. Scheduling a library session can help your students with questions like:
- Where should I start my research?
Tisch Library subscribes to hundreds of article databases and indexes. Some of them, like Expanded Academic ASAP, are very general. Other databases like the International Index to the Performing Arts will focus on a particular subject area. The library adds new electronic resources constantly, and a librarian will be able to suggest the best resources for your students' research. - How do I find books and journals in Tisch Library?
If I need a book and it is checked out, what can I do?
Sometimes physically locating items in the library can be confusing. We can help by giving an overview of the library layout, and also by describing how your students can request books and photocopies of articles through interlibrary loan if Tisch Library doesn't have what they are looking for.
What you can do for your students
Discuss their topics before coming to the library. Give them their library paper assignment several days before they come to the library. Usually the library visit will provide hands-on time so your students can practice using the article databases and get started with their research. It helps if your class comes to the library prepared with a possible topic or at least a general idea of what they may be interested in researching. Encourage your students to use the Research Paper Navigator as they start work on their projects.
What you can do for your librarian
Contact us at least two weeks ahead of time to reserve space for your class in the Electronic Resource Center. Most of the time, a librarian will be rearranging his or her schedule to meet with your evening class, so please be prompt. It helps the librarian demonstrate relevant resources if he or she has a good idea of the subject area your students will be researching. When filling out the library instruction request form below, include some background information about your class, and what your students will be working on.