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Library Services: SACS 3.8.2
Comprehensive Standard: Instruction of Library Use
Narrative and supporting documentation

RPCC Library Services offers a variety of instruction opportunities for students, staff, and instructors in support of the College mission and Library Services Purpose Statement and Philosophy [See 3.8.2 (01)].

The RPCC Catalog includes a brief overview of services, policies, and materials offered by the Library. [See 3.8.2(02)] More complete information about Library Services is available in the Library, and on the RPCC Library Web page for on-campus and remote students, including full policy documents, request forms, hours of operation, contact information, services available, library resources available and how to access them, and other relevant tutorials [See 3.8.2(03) - 3.8.2(08)].

A one-credit-hour elective course, LISR 1000: Research Strategies and Electronic Resources, is offered online during fall and spring semesters. The course is designed to provide a foundation in locating, evaluating, and utilizing information resources [See 3.8.2(09)]. The course usually has between six and ten students per semester. Both on-campus and remote students may register for the course.

In-class course-integrated instruction sessions, either general or related to a specific assignment, are presented by librarians in cooperation with teaching faculty. The number of sessions vary from semester to semester depending on which courses and instructors are scheduled in any given semester [See instruction/assessment summaries by semester 3.8.2(10) – 3.8.2(12)]. Assessment surveys indicate that 93.6% of faculty agree that in-class instruction was highly effective in increasing the students' understanding of how the Library's resources are accessed and utilized, and 84.6% of students agreed that in-class instruction was highly or moderately effective in increasing their understanding of how the Library's resources are accessed and utilized (averages from 3.8.2(10) – 3.8.2 (12).

Library surveys of students and instructors indicate that Library Services is successful in providing students with instruction in basic library skills. Question seven of the Spring 2007 Library Services Satisfaction Survey of students indicated that 97% of students were satisfied or very satisfied with the instruction they received from RPCC Library staff regarding how to access and use Library online resources, print resources, and/or services [See 3.8.2(13)]. Question two on the Faculty Needs Assessment and Evaluation Survey for 2007 (issued separately to adjunct instructors and full-time instructors) indicated that 88% of responding faculty agreed that the variety of instructional opportunities for students was highly or moderately effective [See 3.8.2(14) and 3.8.2(15)].

Point-of-use individual instruction and assistance is available to any library patron during normal business hours both in the Library and via email or telephone. Print guides and handouts are available in the Library and as printable documents online for remote students, as well as online PowerPoint tutorials pertaining to the use of Library resources and services [See sample documents 3.8.2(16) – 3.8.2(20) and sample webpage 3.8.2(21)]. Topics of print and printable handouts online include information about accessing online database resources, the Library catalog, or the e-book collection, how to cite resources, how to use Library of Congress Classification system, and more.

The Library also works cooperatively with Student Services and teaching faculty to present Student Success Workshops on a variety of topics each semester [See semester summaries/assessments 3.8.2(22) – 3.8.2(24) and recent brochures 3.8.2(25) – 3.8.2(26)].

Instructors are given a brief orientation and updates for Library services and resources during Faculty In-Service meetings prior to the fall and spring semesters and during some faculty meetings during semesters [See recent agendas 3.8.2 (27) and 3.8.2(28)]. Individual instructor assistance is available also.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:

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