The Shelton State Libraries support the general instructional goals of the college and specific instructional goals of courses and programs in a number of ways. In addition, the Shelton State Libraries have a unique instructional focus, which is to promote information literacy. The librarians view every encounter with a student as an instructional opportunity, offering not only solutions and responses to requests but one-on-one instruction in locating and evaluating information. In 2007, the library faculty and staff reviewed and updated the working defintion of information literacy as follows:
Information literacy is the ability to assess the need for information and to use libraries and other resources to locate and
evaluate information.
To promote information literacy, the Shelton State Libraries provide basic orientation as well as in-depth library instruction in both formal and informal situations. Informally, point-of-use instruction is provided to library users on an individual basis through traditional reference assistance onsite or via email requests. The library's web page includes tutorials on a variety of topics, both created by the Shelton State Libraries staff and available through links to other libraries. The library web page also includes information on the following:
Tutorials & How-To-Find Hints
Google and Other Search Engines
Shelton LibWiki (information on works cited, plagairism, search strategies, and more!)
How to Evaluate Web Sites and Other Tips
Help With Topics for Speeches or Papers
In addition, orientation and/or instructional sessions are provided upon request to any class on either campus. Handouts, web guides, pathfinders, and other helpful resources may be developed for specific classes or specific assignments when needed. Written exercises may also be developed when requested by instructors. Information regarding the scheduling of library orientation and instruction is included in the Faculty Handbook, Part-Time Faculty Handbook, and other print or electronic materials provided for faculty.
Informational and instructional displays may also be offered as part of the library's instructional program. An introduction to the library is included in some ORI 100 (College Orientation) classes.
Formal instruction is provided through two one-hour courses, LBS 101 (Introduction to Library Skills) and LBS 102 (Introduction to Research Skills). These courses are offered every semester and taught by professional librarians in the library classroom. Copies of the syllabus and course objectives are on file in the offices of the Dean of Instruction and the Director of Library Services (see Appendix L for learning outcomes and other information). Much of the class work is now available in an online format (to be used in conjunction with resources physically available in the libraries on campus). Instructors for LBS 101 and LBS 102 must hold a Master's degree with a minimum of eighteen graduate hours in library studies. Instructional workshops and other training sessions may also be scheduled throughout the year on a variety of topics and library information tools.
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Updated by D. Grimes, Director of Library Services, April 11, 2008