The Media Center Handbook artifact was created for TE 873: Reference Services and Resources. Although I have written many research papers both in high school, as well as in my college career, I don't always remember all the correct information until I am actually going through the process myself. This handbook has come in very useful when teaching students how to research correctly, and how to site sources and why (3.1 Efficient and ethical information-seeking behavior).
I think that one of the biggest problems or students, and why they do not cite sources correctly, is that they do not understand the meaning behind it and why it is wrong to simply use the information the find. Once students know how easily they can site their sources, and why it is important for others to know where you found your information, most of them are willing to do it correctly. Practicing it in 8th grade will allow students to learn correctly at a young age and therefore have an easier time in high school and college, when they will be using the skill much more frequently.
This handbook serves as a general guide to those using the library resources as a way to find information to use in a school project. There is general information about the library, as well as a map that students can use to guide them. There is also a basic checklist that students can use as they journey through their research project. Finally, there are sections on researching in the library, how to know if you are finding reliable sources (3.4 Research and Knowledge Creation), and and a handy section on plagiarism (3.1 Efficient and ethical information-seeking behavior). This resource could be printed and placed in student writing handbooks or binders. It would also be posted on the library web page for students and staff to access and use via Smartboard activities and on their home computers (3.2 Access to information, 3.3 Information technology).