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Library Instruction: Instruction Program

Information for Vol State faculty and students on instructional services available at Thigpen Library.

Program Goals

Library instruction supports the academic mission of the College by:

  • Providing quality library instruction in formats designed to meet both class and individual needs.
  • Developing guides to assist students in the use of library materials
  • Consulting with faculty in designing and incorporating library-related assignments in their curriculum.

Program Structure

The Instruction Program is fluid, changing to meet user needs as technology modifies the way information is accessed, as curricular and administrative needs change, and as a result of program evaluation. Through this program the library facilitates access to the vast resources available, fosters a sense of independence and responsibility, and encourages collaborative relationships between librarians and other teaching faculty.

The Program incorporates teaching strategies and methodologies that respond to individual differences in learning level, style, and culture. We do this in the context of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education by the Association of College & Research Libraries.

Statements of Principle and Purpose

Statement of Principle

The ability to identify, select, critically evaluate, and ethically utilize relevant information are important skills to help individuals cope with the growth of information and to become independent, life-long learners. To this end, information gathering and evaluation skills must be learned and developed within the context of academic course work. Library instruction focuses on helping college students acquire these necessary skills.

Statement of Purpose

Thigpen Library’s Instruction Program exists to support the academic curriculum of Volunteer State Community College.  The program serves the students, faculty, and staff of the College. The purpose of the program is to assist members of the College community with developing information-seeking abilities appropriate for their individual levels of scholarship and to support their research. As academic communities confront the information age, library instruction aims to be responsive to cultural, technological and curricular change within the college.

Our mission is to teach students the skills needed to successfully complete their library-related assignments, prepare them to apply critical thinking skills, and become independent library researchers.