Finding Resources in the Library
Lesson Summary
In an effort to encourage students to become independent seekers of information, they must first be taught how to effectively and efficiently locate resources. Many early elementary-aged students are accustomed to adults (librarians, teacher, parents, etc.) locating resources for them versus doing it themselves. This lesson is intended to introduce students to the tools for locating library materials, as well as the overall structure of the school library.
In an effort to encourage students to become independent seekers of information, they must first be taught how to effectively and efficiently locate resources. Many early elementary-aged students are accustomed to adults (librarians, teacher, parents, etc.) locating resources for them versus doing it themselves. This lesson is intended to introduce students to the tools for locating library materials, as well as the overall structure of the school library.
Standards Addressed
Ohio Department of Education Content Standards
Grade 3: Language Arts: Research
2. Utilize appropriate searching techniques to gather information from a variety of locations.
ISTE | NETS for Students
3. Research and Information Fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
Ohio Department of Education Content Standards
Grade 3: Language Arts: Research
2. Utilize appropriate searching techniques to gather information from a variety of locations.
ISTE | NETS for Students
3. Research and Information Fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
General Goals
- Provide instruction on Destiny Quest (Online Public Access Catalog)
- Provide instruction on locating print materials in the library
- Provide instruction on locating electronic resources on the (library) computer
Specific Objectives
- Given instruction, the learner will be able to effectively search Destiny Quest for needed resources.
- Given instruction, the learner will be able to identify resource call numbers and other identifiers on Destiny Quest.
- Given instruction, the learner will be able to independently locate different types of print materials on the library shelves.
- Given instruction, the learner will be able to locate and search electronic resources located on the (library) computer.
Required Materials & Equipment
- 3-Ring Binder (for storing handouts from this and all subsequent lessons)
- Access to the library OPAC Destiny Quest
- Computer projection screen
- Handout for each student: "Finding Resources in the Library"
- Assessment slips for each group of students
- Dewey Bookmark for each student
Instructional Procedure
- Lesson will be given in the school library with students having access to the library OPAC, Destiny Quest.
- Teacher will provide each of the students with a 3-ring binder and explain to them that it should be used for all handouts received throughout the project.
- Teacher will provide each student a handout (already punched with three holes for binder)
- With students following along, teacher will read through the handout (using the computer projection screen) and explain how different print materials in the library are cataloged and shelved.
- Using a computer projection screen, Teacher will show students how to access library OPAC, Destiny Quest, from the library computers.
- Teacher will demonstrate to students where to find shelving location identifiers (on Destiny Quest) for materials (non-fiction, fiction, etc.)
- Teacher will verbally provide students with various books and author names and ask them to search for them on Destiny Quest (can use examples listed in Assessment Slips)
- Teacher will verbally assess student understanding by randomly asking students for call numbers and other cataloging identifiers.
- Teacher will point out library signage to students and show them where to find various items in the library.
- Teacher will demonstrate how to use shelf markers when materials are removed from the shelves.
- Using a computer projection screen, Teacher will show students how to locate electronic resources on the library computers.
- After the lesson, Teacher will give each student a Dewey bookmark. Bookmark includes general Dewey Decimal number categories and descriptions with a space on the back for students to write down their favorite books and locations.
Assessment
- Teacher will divide students into groups of three and provide each group with a slip of paper that indicates various author names, book titles, and topics.
- The students will use the last ten minutes of the lesson (using Destiny Quest and shelf markers) to locate the materials.
- Students will show the resources to the Teacher and then re-shelve them where they placed their shelf markers.
- If enough time allows, finished groups can switch slips with other groups and redo the assessment.