Case 2: Teaching Citations as a Multi-functional Approach to Archives Instruction

by Helen McManus and Leah Richardson

Viewing proper archival citation as an opportunity to (a) reinforce core archival literacy skills and (b) cultivate best practices in note-taking and academic integrity, this case study from librarians at George Mason University and The George Washington University, presents a lesson plan for teaching students how to properly cite archival materials. The lesson plan includes a handout created by the authors, utilizing The Chicago Manual of Style’s notes and bibliography, a standard citation style for historical research. Students presented a completed citation at the end of class as an “exit ticket” and assessment, while a follow-up annotated primary source gallery assignment provided further evidence of student learning.

Access: Teaching Citations as a Multi-functional Approach to Archives Instruction