Library Instruction Committee

Philosophy, Mission, & Goals

The Library Instruction program's philosophy, mission, and goals statement, as adopted in March 1986, revised in August 1996, and revised in November 2001, establishes that:

San Antonio College librarians are faculty who actively participate in the teaching function of the college.  Accessing information is a lifelong process requiring individuals to identify, locate, evaluate, and use resources pertinent to their needs.  Our mission is to teach students the skills needed to successfully complete their library‑related assignments. Librarians prepare students to apply critical thinking skills and become independent library researchers.

Library instruction will accomplish the following goals:

1. Provide quality library instruction in formats designed to meet both

class and individual needs.

2. Develop guides to assist students in the use of library materials.

3. Consult with faculty in designing and incorporating library‑related assignments in their

curriculum.

Program Description

1. Library instruction is available through course‑related classes, one‑on‑one instruction, general research classes, and a web‑based tutorial.

Course‑related instruction classes are tailored to specific classroom assignments to:

accomplish learning objectives determined by the librarian in consultation with the classroom instructor

develop a questioning approach to identify information needs

demonstrate a library research process

teach how to evaluate resources

reduce student anxiety by providing an atmosphere which promotes learning.

These classes will provide students with an introduction to the research process and the critical evaluation of information.  During the 2000‑2001 academic year, the librarians provided instruction to 11,713 students attending.  For a complete history of  library instruction statistics, consult the Library Instruction Program Statistics.

The library has two instruction classrooms.  Each is equipped with an overhead projector, a Nomad Multimedia Projection System, two screens, instructor's computer, and 21 student computers.  Classroom demonstrations are followed by student hands‑on participation using the catalog, online databases and indexes, and the Web.

One‑on‑one instruction at the reference desk provides librarians with the opportunity to teach the research process and the critical thinking skills to fulfill students' information needs.  Librarians teach students how to select and use appropriate resources such as reference books, library catalog, database, indexes, and the Web.

The Library Research Skills Program is open to all including the public and provides instruction about library research.  Taught by librarians, each of the three classes includes "hands‑on" practice with the library's various computer resources.  Students can earn a "Library Research Skills Certificate" by attending all three classes in the series.  Further information and the current schedule of classes is found at Library Research Skills Program.

An online Library Tutorial guides students through the skills necessary to search the Library Catalog, an on‑line database, and the Web.  The self‑paced tutorial and the three quizzes imbedded in the tutorial place emphasis on the research process.  The research process consists of defining the topic, devising a strategy, searching resources, and evaluating resources. 

2. Librarians develop library instruction guides to assist students in the use of library materials.

In library instruction classes, librarians provide handouts tailored to specific course assignments.

Web‑based guides include research information on career, controversial issues,   literary criticism, and general research.  These guides show students the search strategy involved in finding resources. 

3.Instructors are encouraged to meet with librarians to design library‑related assignments for their courses.

November 28, 2001