Develop a focused, researchable topic that sets a strong foundation for your project. Get tips and strategies for narrowing your ideas and choosing a direction.
The First Year Research (FYR) program at Texas State University Libraries helps first-year students build the skills, confidence, and curiosity to navigate today’s information landscape.
Through innovative tools and scalable instruction, FYR integrates information literacy directly into TXST coursework. We teach students to explore the library, evaluate resources, and think critically about information literacy. Our focus for first year research is on:
- Identifying information needs & developing a topic.
- Finding resources.
- Evaluating resources.
Adding FYR Guide to Canvas
Choose this option if you’d like your students to complete all the tutorials at once and be able to easily revisit them when needed. To add “Library Guide” to the left-hand navigation of your Canvas Course, simply follow these steps.
FYR Modules to Canvas
This allows adding or customizing instructional content, inserting individual modules, and creating assignments for completion. Search "FYR" in Commons to import modules to your Canvas course. Preview content by clicking the "Research Tutorials" button below.
Information Literacy Student Learning Outcomes
All First Year Research content supports the The Higher Education Coordinating Board Critical Thinking Competency, “Students will demonstrate creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.” Information Literacy learning outcomes are mapped to the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.
Finding Academic Sources
Discover effective ways to locate credible books, articles, and scholarly materials. Learn how to use library tools and databases to find what you need.
Evaluating Sources
Assess the quality and reliability of your sources. Find out how to identify trustworthy information and avoid questionable materials.