What we can do for you
The ASU Library is concentrating our face-to-face library instruction efforts to support the courses which require student research papers, namely ENG 102, 105 and 108, as well as ENG 215, 301 and 302. Library instruction includes the teaching of information literacy skills such as: how to find resources using library research databases, using effective searching techniques and evaluating sources. They generally take one entire class period. You can choose to bring your class to one of the libraries, where the classrooms are equipped with computers for hands-on experience, or a librarian can visit your class if the technology is available. To maximize staff and classroom availability, it is suggested you make your request two weeks in advance using our online request form. For more details, please see Frequently Asked Questions.
Online tutorials for WAC 101 and ENG 101
The ASU Library has developed a systematic program of online instruction for freshmen which begins with the ASU 101 course, progressing to online tutorials for WAC 101 and ENG 101.
Students enrolled in the ASU 101 classes learn about academic integrity, citing sources, and avoiding plagiarism. They also learn: the importance of using library resources vs. Googling; the distinction between the eight campus libraries and their locations; and basic navigation of the ASU Library's website, emphasizing online resources and services. The ASU 101 modules have been made available through the First Year Composition Library Guide
In addition, the Library provides a series of online tutorials designed to give students the opportunity to learn on their own time and at their own pace. These tutorials are short, tailored to specific tasks and include brief quizzes.
Suggested resources
The ASU Library subscribes to several multidisciplinary databases which are excellent resources and highly recommended for Writing Programs assignments:
Current and controversial issues
Opposing Viewpoints
Provides differing points of view on current social issues by indexing viewpoint articles from journals, magazines and newspapers as well as links to more than 1,800 reviewed and subject-indexed web sites. Also includes contextual topic overviews, government and organizational statistics, biographies, court cases, profiles of government agencies and special interest groups, etc.
CQ Researcher
Provides original, comprehensive reports and analysis on controversial topics and current issues in the news. Articles are addressed in a balanced, unbiased manner and include an overview, background, the current situation, future outlook, pros and cons, and a bibliography.
Journal or magazine articles
Academic Search Ultimate
Provides full-text access to a wide range of disciplines and topics in scholarly journals and magazines. This is our largest database, with over 10 million searchable citations.
Newspaper articles
Nexis Uni
Provides fulltext access to articles from thousands of U. S. and international newspapers, wire services, broadcast news transcripts, and much more - such as Public Opinion Polls, Country Information, etc. Includes the Phoenix New Times.
Access World News
Also provides fulltext access to selected articles from hundreds of U. S. and Canadian newspapers, wire services, and broadcast news transcripts. Includes exclusive coverage of the Arizona Republic .
Citation manager
Library Guide: Citation Management
Learn how to get started with one of three free citation managers - EndNote, Mendeley and Zotero.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for some classes! See What We Can Do For You.
The best method is to use the online form. We ask that you request a session preferably two weeks in advance; you will receive a confirmation within 48 hours.
We have two computer classrooms:
- Hayden Library located on the Concourse level in room C-41 that has 15 computers. If students work together, the class can accommodate 30.
- Noble Library located on the first floor in room 105 that has 20 computers. If students work together, the class can accommodate 40.
Maybe! The classrooms may not be reserved as the regular meeting place for a course, but instructors may use a room on an occasional basis for library or computer-related instructional purposes.
Students learn library skills best if the session is geared toward a particular assignment. Discuss the assignment, your desired learning outcomes, as well as any particular resources you need to have covered with the librarian assigned to teach your session.
It is also important, before the session, to discuss the applicable assignment with your class. Explain to the students why they are coming to the library (to help them learn the library skills which will help them effectively complete their assignment), and what they can expect from the library session.
We recommend a full class period (usually 50 minutes or 75 minutes). When possible, we stress hands-on activities for the students, which usually take longer to conduct. To ascertain how many topics can be covered in a class period, please discuss your needs with the librarian.
We provide a series of online tutorials designed to give students the opportunity to learn particular library skills on their own time and at their own pace. These tutorials are short, tailored to specific knowledge sets such as differentiating between scholarly and popular articles, and may include brief quizzes. Many of these tutorials were developed as a result of direct input via focus groups with Writing Programs instructors.