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What is CSN Searchpath?
 Who is it designed for?
Instructors:  CSN Searchpath can enhance your courses.
 Does CSN Searchpath replace Library Instruction?

What Is CSN Searchpath?
CSN Searchpath is a self-instructional tutorial designed to teach CSN students basic library and research skills. It covers the research process from initial topic selection to citation styles and the issue of plagiarism. There is a link to CSN Searchpath on the CSN Library home page. CSN Searchpath is organized into six modules:


Module 1 | Choosing Sources
 Covers types of information sources students can use for their research topics.
Module 2 | Search Strategies for Your Topic
 Covers topic selection and how to create a search strategy.
Module 3 | Using the Library Catalog
 Demonstrates ways to search the catalog.
Module 4 | Finding Articles in Research Databases
 Describes how to use the Library's subscription databases like Academic OneFile or Academic Search Premiere .
Module 5 | Using the Web
 Covers finding information on the Web.
Module 6 | Citing Sources
 Describes how to cite research sources. Includes the topics of plagiarism and copyright

Each of the six sections takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Each module is followed by a short quiz.

Who is it designed for?
CSN Searchpath is designed for students in classes with introductory-level research.

Instructors: CSN Searchpath can enhance your courses.
 Instructors can assign one or all CSN Searchpath modules to introduce students to the research skills needed for course assignments. Students can complete CSN Searchpath modules on their own time and turn in quiz results to you if you wish.

If your courses include an online component, you might consider placing a link to one or more modules or the complete CSN Searchpath tutorial on the course page, either as part of an assignment or as an added resource for students. Students can save quiz results in Rich Text Format and email them to you.

Instructors who schedule library instruction sessions with a Librarian might consider asking students to complete CSN Searchpath before the instruction session. This would permit more time during the instruction session to focus on specific Library resources.

Each CSN Searchpath module is followed by a short quiz and a results page which provides a summary of questions answered right or wrong and an overall percentage score for that module. The results pages can be printed out with the student’s name at the top and submitted to you as proof of completion. You could consider giving extra credit to students who complete CSN Searchpath.

Does CSN Searchpath Replace Library Instruction?
No! We continue to offer course-related library instruction and hope that you will incorporate it into your syllabus. Timing is important! Please schedule library instruction with us for a date after your class has received a research assignment, so students learn about searching databases at a time when they need to know this information.

 Research has shown that:

  • Students learn best and retain most when they need the information.

  • Library instruction is more effective when the course instructor is present.

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  • Library instruction is more effective when coordinated with a class assignment.

The CSN Campus Libraries do not have a dedicated Library instruction room, so Librarians must schedule a computer  lab for database demonstrations and hands-on training. They are heavily booked, so please schedule early to reserve the date and time you need—at least two weeks ahead. Requests will be filled on a first-come basis.

To arrange a library instruction session, call or email one of the CSN Reference Librarians. We will be happy to help your students learn more about the basics of college-level research.

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