Information Literacy Instruction Program, Hunter Library

Mission: The mission of Hunter Library’s Information Literacy Instruction Program is to teach members of the Western Carolina University community to find, evaluate, and use information effectively.

Goals:

• Hunter Library’s Information Literacy Instruction Program accepts the definition of information literacy as described by the Association of College and Research Libraries 1.
• The Information Literacy Instruction Program will offer classes that will support teaching and learning at Western Carolina University. Information literacy skills will help students be successful, not only in their classes and majors at WCU, but as life-long learners.
• Librarians will work with faculty to identify information literacy goals in their programs and majors and identify the best ways to meet those goals.
• Information literacy instruction will adapt to varying learning styles and changing technology.

Policies and Procedures:

• Instruction provided by librarians includes:
  • a general orientation to the library for freshmen students enrolled in English 101 in order to introduce basic library resources and skills
  • course-related instruction
  • faculty workshops
  • presentations to special public groups including schools
  • web-based instruction including the library website and course management tools
  • individual instruction at the Reference Desk or by appointment

• Librarians provide instruction to a variety of users including distance learners, nontraditional students, undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and special public groups. Priority is given to students, faculty, and staff of Western Carolina University.

• Off-campus instruction:  a librarian may travel to an off-campus site, meet with the class on campus, or meet by teleconference or interactive video.  Some of the off-campus sites include Asheville, Enka, Gastonia, Murphy, and Jamaica.
• Librarians conduct most library sessions in an electronic classroom, where each student has access to a computer. This creates an environment for active learning.
• Hunter Library has its own electronic classroom, HL 186. See written policy for the electronic classroom.
• Scheduling a session:  To schedule a session, a professor or individual may contact the Coordinator of Information Literacy or the Library Liaison for a specific department. Library sessions work best when they are designed to support a specific project or assignment(s).  Faculty are expected to share information about the assignment and the course with the librarians before the session.
• A request for an instruction session must be made at least one week before the session is needed. Scheduling of sessions is dependent on the availability of librarians and the classroom.
• Active participation by the course instructor is important. It helps students understand the connection between information literacy skills and their course content.  Faculty should accompany their class to the library session.
• Public school visits:  Hunter Library will provide information literacy instruction to public school groups if time and scheduling allow.  See written policy.

Heidi Buchanan, Coordinator of Information Literacy Instruction
Hunter Library
Western Carolina University
Last updated December 2005