MCCC Library Information Literacy (IL) Instruction Scheduling Policy

The MCCC library provides instruction that will enhance a person's information literacy (IL) skills. This service is available to the entire MCCC community.

Types of Instruction Offered

• Library Tour (15-30 minute) - A brief tour of the library that provides an overview of the physical layout of the library and the services available at the library but does not give any in-depth instruction.
• General Orientation (1 or preferably 2 [50 minute] class periods) - This orientation introduces students to the wide variety of both printed and electronically accessible resources available from the library. The orientation also covers basic electronic search strategies/keywords/Boolean logic, accessing resources remotely, web search strategies, and evaluating the quality of informational resources. This class is given outside of the library in a classroom having computers for every student in the class. NOTE: given the amount of material that is covered in this class, it is often impossible to give students much hands-on time using electronic library resources when this orientation is given during a single [50 minute] class period.
• Subject Orientation (usually 1 [50 minute] class period) - This orientation is given in close conjunction with the instructor and is tailored for a specific class. The expectation is that the students attending this class have previously received a general orientation from the library. This orientation gives a very brief review of the search strategies and skills covered in the General Orientation classes and focuses on search strategies and resources that have been selected jointly by both the library and course instructors. This orientation is often tied into a major research project for the course and is usually given outside of the library in a classroom having computers for every student in the class unless there is a special need to focus on printed resources.
• Reference Assistance (1 or more class periods as needed) - This service is offered to classes that have recently completed a general or subject specific library orientation. Instructors sign up a time for their entire class to come to the library. During the class period, a reference librarian is assigned to assist students as they work on their research project. As the class has already received an orientation, little actual instruction will be given during this class.

Scheduling Guidelines and Advanced Notice
A. Scheduling an orientation, library tour, or reference assistance - General
  - Faculty may request IL instruction either in person at the library, by phone, or on line at www.mccc.edu/student_library_resources_il-signup.shtml
  - As both the number of library instructors and classroom space are limited, classes will be scheduled on a first come/first served basis.
B. Scheduling an IL orientation class
  1. For courses where the library staff has given an IL orientation in the past
  - A minimum of 3 working days notice should be given to the library for courses that have previously been taught by the library staff within the past two (2) years.
  - A list of these courses can be found at www.mccc.edu/student_library_resources_prev-courses.shtml
  - Once the class is confirmed, course instructors will be notified of classroom assignments by the library.
  2. For courses that have NEVER scheduled an IL orientation class previously
  - A minimum of 7 working days notice is requested for new courses (or courses not taught within the past 2 years).
  - This longer notice time allows the library staff the time needed to prepare new instructional materials as a result of discussions between the faculty member and library staff person designing the IL orientation class.
  - Once the class is confirmed, course instructors will be notified of classroom assignments by the library.
D. Scheduling library tours and reference assistance
  - A minimum of 3 working days notice must be given.

Faculty are encouraged to attend library orientations/library tours/reference assistance with their class. By attending the IL class, faculty will be able to give valuable input during the session as well as emphasizing the necessity and value of the skills covered by their presence in the class.