What Is SearchPath?
SearchPath is a self-instructional tutorial designed to teach OCC 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 SearchPath on the OCC Library Classes, Tutorials page. SearchPath is organized into six modules: 

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?
SearchPath is designed for students in classes with introductory-level research.

How Can Instructors Effectively Use SearchPath with Their Courses? Instructors can assign one or all SearchPath modules to introduce students to the research skills needed for course assignments. Students can complete 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 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 SearchPath before the instruction session. This would permit more time during the instruction session to focus on specific library resources.

Each 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 SearchPath.

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

The OCC Campus Libraries have library instruction areas which librarians use for computer demonstrations.  Please schedule early to reserve the date and time you need—at least one week ahead. Requests will be filled on a first-come basis.

To arrange a library instruction session you may do one of the following:

• Complete a Library Instruction Request form and send it to a campus librarian. 
• Contact the Reference Desk at your campus library.  See the campus links for Reference Desk phone numbers.

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