Introduction

The Susie McClure Library of American Baptist College in Nashville, TN, recognizes the importance of information literacy in supporting the educational and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. Information literacy is finding, evaluating, and using information effectively and ethically. This policy outlines the library's commitment to providing resources, instruction, and support to enhance the information literacy skills of our users.

Goals

The library's information literacy program is designed to achieve the following goals:

1. To promote the development of critical thinking skills that are essential for lifelong learning and success.
2. To enhance the ability of users to find, evaluate, and use information from various sources ethically and responsibly.
3. To provide instructional support that aligns with the college community's academic curriculum and research needs.
4. To foster collaboration and shared responsibility among librarians, faculty, and other stakeholders in the information literacy process.

Information Literacy Instruction

The library provides information literacy instruction through various formats, including classroom instruction, workshops, online tutorials, and one-on-one consultations. The instruction is designed to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff at all levels of academic achievement.

The library works closely with faculty to integrate information literacy instruction into the curriculum. Librarians collaborate with faculty to design instruction that supports course objectives and helps students develop the skills they need to succeed academically.

Instructional topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Identifying and evaluating sources of information
• Using databases and other search tools effectively
• Citing sources properly
• Avoiding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty
• Understanding copyright laws and fair use guidelines
• Developing research strategies and search terms

Resources

The library provides a range of resources to support information literacy, including:

• Access various electronic and print resources, including databases, eBooks, and print collections supporting research needs.
• Subject-specific research guides that provide guidance on finding and evaluating resources in specific subject areas.
• Online tutorials and instructional videos provide instruction on various aspects of information literacy.
• One-on-one research consultations with librarians to provide personalized research assistance.

Assessment

The library regularly assesses its information literacy program to ensure it meets users' needs and achieves its goals. Assessment methods include:

• Evaluation of instructional materials and resources to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.
• Assessment of student learning outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs.
• User surveys and feedback to evaluate user satisfaction with library services and resources.

Conclusion

The Susie McClure Library of American Baptist College in Nashville, TN, is committed to providing resources, instruction, and support that promote information literacy skills. The library's information literacy program is designed to support the academic and research needs of the college community, and the library works collaboratively with faculty and other stakeholders to achieve this goal. Through its instruction, resources, and assessment efforts, the library strives to help users develop the skills they need to succeed academically and beyond.