Oak Park and River Forest High School Library

What can your librarians do for you? 

We Teach Information Literacy & Research Skills --

• creating questions based on information needs
• identifying potential sources of information
• developing effective search terms
• evaluating and revising searches (expanding or narrowing)
• digital search strategies - including internet and subscription databases
• searching for images (the copyright-friendly way!)
• evaluating information sources (for accuracy, bias, relevance, timeliness, etc)
• avoiding plagiarism
• citing sources
• creating bibliographies and annotated bibliographies
• paraphrasing and note-taking
• using Scrible and/or NoodleTools - electronic research platforms to conduct the entire process online! (making research easier for students and assessment easier for teachers)

We Support your Curriculum and Reading Needs --

• collaborating with you to develop research assignments and inquiry-based learning projects
• creating Library Guides with information resources suited for your class or assignment  (see an example here) 
• providing instruction for using the library’s eBook, audiobook, and digital magazine collections 
• recommending books, supplementary articles, and other resources useful to your curriculum
• locating or recommending books and articles for your professional reading
• giving Book Talks to classes, helping students find books 
• providing general reading advice

Meet with Amber or Louise to collaborate individually or with your teaching team, or schedule time to bring your students to the Library for instruction.

Standard 1: Access information efficiently and effectively to inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge

Standard 2: Evaluate information critically and competently

Standard 3: Use information accurately, creatively, and ethically to share knowledge and to participate collaboratively and productively as a member of a democratic society

Standard 4: Appreciate literature and other creative expressions of thoughts and ideas and pursue knowledge related to personal interests and aesthetic growth

Standard 5: Understand and practice Internet safety when using any electronic media for educational, social, or recreational purposes