Preparation of assignments in Teacher Librarianship
Presentation
The following general guidelines should be followed in the preparation and presentation of
written assignments.
1.
Use the attached template as a title page for each assignment submission. Fill in all the
blanks, including word count. Where the assignment provides options, clearly indicate your
choice: e.g. ‘Option A.’ This title page is in addition to any EASTS cover sheet you might
use.
2.
Word limits include all characters within the body of the assignment excluding reference
lists, bibliographies and appendices, unless otherwise specified.
3.
Adhere to the word limit. If an assignment ‘turns out’ much longer than required, rewrite it
concisely. Marks may be deducted for work substantially exceeding or shorter than the word
limit. Being over or under the word limit by 10% is considered acceptable.
4.
Include a header or footer on each page with your name, student number, and page numbers.
Your word processor will do this automatically for you.
5.
Word process assignments using double spacing, unless otherwise specified.
6.
7.
Answer the set question, keep to the topic and include all relevant issues.
Be clear and precise in your expression, paying particular attention to sentence structure. Put
yourself in the reader’s position and ask, ‘Is the meaning clear?’
8.
Pay attention to the rules of writing in relation to paragraphing, punctuation, spelling, etc.
9.
In formal essays, avoid the use of abbreviations such as etc. and the ampersand.
10. Use headings for sections of essays where appropriate but continue to link the sections
through your writing.
11. Be consistent in spelling of terms such as ‘teacher librarian’, ‘online’ or ‘email’.
12. Use italics in essays and reports as follows
 For the titles of books, long poems, magazines, journals and films. Italics distinguish a
book instantly from a book chapter or article. For example: Unbelievable!; The tree of
man; The Times Literary Supplement; Australian Library Journal; Goodbye Mr Chips.
Reserve quotation marks for works not published separately: articles in magazines, short
poems, lectures from a symposium, book chapters, etc.
 For words or phrases which are distinctly foreign. For example: leitmotif; sine qua non;
tour de force.
13. Make sure that you proof read the final document prior to submission for spelling errors,
punctuation, words missed out, and acknowledgment of sources, including human resources,
etc. A good idea is to have someone else proof read your work for you. Others can pick up
mistakes that you may have overlooked.
14. Submit only one electronic version of your assignment to EASTS. Do not submit an
assignment early and then continue to revise and submit new versions. If you believe you
have submitted the incorrect version of your assignment to EASTS, contact your subject
coordinator.
15. Submit assignments as single files, not a series of separate files. If necessary, embed charts,
tables and diagrams into the document.
16. It is essential that you retain a copy of the assignment so that it is available if necessary or
requested. If a technical problem occurs and you are required to resubmit, you will have to
redo the assignment if you have not kept a copy.
Referencing and use of sources
In writing your assignment you need to show that you have consulted a reasonable range of
relevant books, journal articles and other relevant (including electronic) sources. You must give
proper acknowledgment for any ideas, quotes and background information that you get from
these sources and use correct referencing when doing so.
1.
2.
Sources should be identified within the text as well as in the list of references at the end.
(Note that references are not counted in the word limit of an assignment.)
References should follow a consistent and widely accepted style.
 You need to be aware that different referencing styles can be used by different authors,
different publications and in different publishing formats. At the same time, you must
take care to avoid mixing the different styles in your own written assignments. For each
assignment, choose one particular style and stick to it.
 The standard referencing style at CSU is the APA style – guidance available at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/studserv/learning/apa.pdf
 Other referencing styles are acceptable, however, as long as they are consistently
applied.
 Poor presentation of the reference list may be penalised.
3.
Generally avoid direct quotations except short ones used for a particular effect. It is better to
express the idea in your own words.
4.
Go beyond what other people have said on the topic. Express their ideas in your own words,
but add your own ideas and opinions. To do this you need to analyse and criticise ideas
where appropriate and argue your point of view.
For assistance on many aspects of assignment completion, consult the CSU Learning Skills
website at http://www.csu.edu.au/division/studserv/learning/