ChicoRIO is a series of Web based, self-paced lessons designed to help users learn how to use the Meriam Library, and to find information using the ReSEARCH Station, the Meriam Library's online gateway to information, both within the library as well as outside of the library in cyberspace.

Where can I see ChicoRIO?

From the library's ReSEARCH Station click on Library Instruction from the box in the right-hand column, then click on Research Tutorials and Presentations, or, you can go directly to it at the following URL: http://www.csuchico.edu/lins/chicorio/

What concepts are covered?

ChicoRIO is comprised of seven modules. They are:

-- The ReSEARCH Station is Meriam Library's online gateway to books, journals, articles, government documents, other library collections, the Internet...and more!

-- The Meriam Library Catalog helps locate what the library owns, such as books, videos, music recording, films, magazines and journals...and more!

-- How to search indexes and databases to locate articles in journals, magazines, and newspapers.

-- How to search the library's Periodicals List to determine whether the library owns particular articles, either online or in hard-copy formats.

-- All about the Interlibrary Loan service, which borrows materials for you from other libraries.

-- Tips for asking librarians questions.

-- Ways to tour The Meriam Library, in person and in cyberspace.

ChicoRIO has been designed to help a variety of learners.  While first and second year undergraduates are the primary audience, it will assist anyone unfamiliar with the Meriam Library and the basics of information searching via the ReSEARCH Station. 

How can ChicoRIO be used effectively?

While each section has been designed to stand alone, students can make the best use of the tutorials when they are connected to a learning situation such as an assignment, exercise or classroom activity.

Ideas for Classroom Use

Search activities:

Give assignments which ask students to demonstrate competency in the skills and concepts covered by a ChicoRIO section.

Some examples of student assignments:

• Choose a topic relevant to class curriculum.
  • Find a newspaper or magazine article about the topic.
  • Find an article on the same topic in a scholarly or academic journal.
  • Use the Periodicals List to determine whether the Meriam Library owns the article you just identified.
• Create a well focused search question and identify the key words or concepts that could be used as search terms.
• From the ReSEARCH Station, find subject pages created by the librarians at the Meriam Library which identify basic print and online resources in a subject area such as religion, classics, or history.

Do a ChicoRIO demonstration in class to introduce students to the concepts found in one or more sections, such as searching periodical indexes/databases and using the Periodicals List. These may be done in the Library's electronic classrooms or other similar locations on campus.

Collaborate with a librarian

Consult with a librarian to develop effective library related assignments.
Librarians are available to instruct your classes on ChicoRIO or other library resources and search strategies.  Sessions can be scheduled in electronic classrooms located in the Library or elsewhere on campus. Go to: http://www.csuchico.edu/lins/ for more information about library instruction.