This is a lesson plan designed for sixth grade students. The focus of the lesson is how to use the online library catalog, which includes a demonstration as well as guided practice.

4. Airliner

6. Ask students if they’ve used an online catalog before (elementary school or public library). Ask students what the online catalog is and what information can be found in it.

7. Why use the online catalog?

9. Highlight and circle (using the Airliner) key features of the library catalog.

10. Perform a Quick Search by Title. Ask for a student volunteer to name a book and use the Airliner to type it in. Preface the lesson by offering use of the Airliner as a reward for respectful and attentive behavior. Also demo an Author and Keyword search.

11. Click on Advanced Search. Highlight/circle key features of the Advanced Search. Show students that they can limit their search to just fiction books – go to Copy Type and highlight 2 – Fiction. Demo an Advanced Search. Ask for student volunteer to use Airliner to perform search.

14. I will also review recently covered material – e.g. If I know the author’s name is Nikki Grimes, what kind of search would I do? My topic is segregation – what kind of search should I use?

15. Students will be using their new knowledge during the guided practice/closure activity.What’s Next? This is a stand-alone lesson for sixth grade students.