Skip to main content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

MCS Teachers' Guide to Ball State University Libraries

Home

Ball State University Libraries offers services and support to employees of Muncie Community Schools. As an MCS employee, you can:

  • Get a guest account to use computers in the Libraries for free with your MCS ID.
  • Borrow materials from the Libraries' collections.
  • Collaborate with a librarian on information literacy instruction for your students.

For more information or to discuss collaborations, contact Lisa Jarrell, University Libraries liaison to Muncie Community Schools.

Borrowing Materials

Current MCS employees can borrow materials from the University Libraries. The loan periods are in the far right column on the chart here: https://bsu.libguides.com/borrowingprivileges.

Bring your Ball State issued ID to the Circulation Desk in Bracken Library (First Floor, East) to activate your library account. Don't have a Ball State issued ID? Visit the ID Office on the lower level of Bracken Library to get one. ID Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8-7, Friday 8-5, and closed on weekends.

Instructional Support

Information literacy instruction addresses development of these skills:   

  • Choosing and formulating a research question
  • Searching online library resources, internet resources, books and media
  • Evaluating the strengths and limitations of information sources
  • Using information ethically and citing sources appropriately

Information literacy instruction 

  • Ball State Librarian visits to your classroom for a lively and interactive class about searching for, evaluating, and citing sources (library and non-library)
  • Class presentations are tailored to support your planned curriculum/topics
  • Presentations include content that addresses Indiana Academic Standards and prepares students for college and career
  • Students get time in class for individualized one-on-one help for students as they work on their research projects

Collaborative information literacy assignment design

  • Developing assignments that address standards and learning outcomes
  • Identifying appropriate resources for students to use in research

Sample class activities and discussions:

  • I found it online! Is this fake news?
  • Databases vs. web searching
  • Why we cite sources
  • How is information created?
  • What is a primary source?
  • What is a scholarly source?
  • Research is a conversation
  • What makes a source authoritative? 

 

 

Resources for Students

Research Tools