Section 3 - Comprehensive Standards - Library & Other Learning Resources

3.8.2: Library Instruction

The institution ensures that users have access to regular and timely instruction in the use of the library and other learning/information resources.

Compliance

Partial Compliance

Non-compliance

NARRATIVE:

The University of South Florida's Nelson Poynter Memorial Library [1] ensures that users have regular and timely instruction in the use of its resources. The Poynter Library pursues a varied and comprehensive program of orientation and instruction incorporating Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) standards for information literacy and life-long learning.

Library orientation sessions are provided for new students on a regular basis during each semester and continue through semester breaks. At these sessions, students are given an overview of the physical layout of the library, focusing especially on the Reference and Circulation areas and the services they provide, information concerning hours of operation, validation requirements for circulation and online access, schedules regarding bibliographic instruction presentations, and individual and group tutorial opportunities.

Reference librarians also work with academic advisors and faculty to provide classroom instruction for individual classes either in the library bibliographic instruction lab or in classrooms. Presentations are geared toward the specific subject area of each class in addition to general information literacy skills such as critical thinking and the evaluation of library materials and web sites. Librarians work closely with instructors to provide pertinent bibliographies and handouts for classroom use. Many subject-oriented bibliographies, user guides and citation style handouts are provided for further self-study online and on library display racks. In addition to classes or tutorials, students may also request an individual tutorial, called a "RAP" (Research Assistance Program) session. A librarian works with the student to guide him or her through the research process.

For less formal library instruction, librarians are on duty at the centrally located reference desk during normal operating hours. Librarians are available to provide assistance on a walk-in basis or, for more complicated questions, refer patrons to a RAP session or to an appropriate library tutorial.

For distance learning students http://www.nelson.usf.edu/distance/, library instruction is offered by phone or online. The library's distance learning web page provides links to tutorials, email or chat reference, and numerous help sheets and bibliographies.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND EVIDENCE:

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1. Nelson Poynter Memorial Library

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