Course Development
Basic Considerations
- Syllabus Development. The library is responsible for maintaining the NU Archives, which includes a pdf archive of syllabi for past courses with about 15,000. Search the archive using the course code (e.g. “HIST 1234”).
- Developing Research Assignments. Requiring your students to use high-quality sources in research papers is an easy way to improve the academic rigor of your class. Papers for lower-division classes or on broad topics should require the use of either books or journal articles. Papers for upper-division classes or on narrow topics should require the use of peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Textbook Selection: Electronic Textbooks. The library can purchase ebooks that allow for unlimited simultaneous users. These books can then be used as textbooks or supplemental reading at no cost to the students. Traditional textbooks (such as “Introduction to Accounting”) are not typically available. The library has an annual budget for purchasing these books. If you plan to assign a reading from an ebook which the library already owns, please check to make sure that the book is licensed for multiple simultaneous users.
Using Library Resources
- Linking to Library Resources. Direct, static links (aka “permalinks”) should be included on the LMS course page and/or syllabus for all specific library resources, including but not limited to books, articles, and databases. Use the instructions below to obtain the permalink for library resources and contact the library if you need further assistance.
- Copyright and Fair Use. Learn how to interpret copyright law for including materials in your course.
- Database and Subject Guides. Subject guides provide an overview of library resources by subject and list the major databases for the field. Review the subject guide for your area to familiarize yourself with the available resources. To link to specific database, right-click the link on the Databases page and choose “Copy Link” or “Copy Link Address”
- Course Reserves. The library provides a traditional reserve service where print books belonging to the professor or the library can be held behind the desk for short term (2-hour or 3-day) checkout.
Tutorials and Instruction
- Video Tutorials. The library provides a series of video tutorials covering common research topics. The video tutorial on the library homepage provides an overview of library use.
- Evaluation of Sources. The NU Library provides resources to help students evaluate sources of information, whether or not library resources are required for their assignments. Two methods of source evaluation available on the library website are The 5 Ws and the CARP Test.
- Instruction. The NU librarians are available to provide synchronous or asynchronous library/research instruction, develop research guides, assist in designing effective research assignments, and more. Please contact library@northwestu.edu for further assistance.
