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Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) Libraries ensure that users have access to regular and timely instruction
in the use of library and other learning information resources in accordance with the policies of the Library and the Kentucky
Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
[1]
[2]
[3].
The College employs three professional librarians who provide bibliographic instruction to classes and individuals on all
campuses and online. The librarians have faculty status. The Director of Library Services, the Reference Librarian and the
Assistant Librarian each hold a Master's Degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution.
Librarians and paraprofessionals are available during all hours of operation to provide assistance with reference questions,
and Internet and online course access. They can be reached by visiting the library, calling the library using a local or
toll-free number or online. Each library is open all year round with varying hours between terms, during holidays and in
the summer months. The Prestonsburg Campus Library is open 66 hours per week, the Pikeville Campus Library is open 52.5 hours
per week and the Mayo Campus Library is open 45.5 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters.
The students' introduction to library services and resources begins with new student orientation. All first-time,
full-time students are required to enroll in GE100 which is an introduction to all facets of the College. All students
enrolled in GE100 are given a tour of the library. They also participate in a hands-on instruction session with a librarian
who introduces them to a basic navigation of the library's online resources
[4].
Bibliographic instruction curricula and materials are developed by the three professional librarians. Every student enrolled
in English 101 must complete and pass a bibliographic instruction unit and test
[5]
[6].
This unit may be self-directed or may be accompanied by hands-on instruction from a professional librarian. During
the current semester (Spring 2007), there are 8 English 101 classes being taught face-to-face. Instructors for 7 of
the 8 classes have already brought classes to the library or scheduled bibliographic instruction and the instructor
for the remaining class has indicated intent to schedule instruction. Six sections of English 101 are currently being
taught online. Every student enrolled in an online class is provided with instructional materials necessary to complete
the test and directions for accessing resources through the library webpage. Students are encouraged to contact a
librarian for additional assistance if needed. Upon completion of the library test, students are asked to complete
an evaluation. There are two evaluation documents, tailored for face-to face instruction and for online instruction
[7].
These evaluation instruments are designed to assess learning outcomes
[8].
Forty percent of BSCTC students take one or more classes online
[9]
[10]
[11].
The librarians collaborate with faculty who teach online to ensure that these students have access to resources
and instruction that is equivalent to face-to-face delivery. The web page is frequently updated to ensure accuracy,
currency and ease of use
[12].
All available bibliographic instruction materials and links to resources are accessible online. Students are
encouraged to "Ask a Librarian" by clicking the link that appears on all of the library's web pages.
The librarians collaborate with faculty in all disciplines to provide specific bibliographic instruction that
supports class assignments. Faculty members are encouraged to convey requirements of specific class assignments
to the librarians so that students may be directed to appropriate resources
[13]
[14].
Workshops are held for faculty and staff to keep them informed of new resources and innovations in technology that
impact information retrieval
[15]
[16].
The professional librarians utilize computer labs for hands on bibliographic training
[17].
Students learn about the types of resources available in the library and practice using these resources. Information
literacy skills are introduced during the instruction. Students learn to recognize an information need, where to go
for appropriate information, how to access the information, how to choose the information that is most accurate,
relevant and timely, and then apply the information to the need
[8].
The librarians belong to state and national library organizations and avail themselves of professional development
opportunities. All three belong to the ALA and the Kentucky Library Association (KLA). In 2006, all three attended
the KLA Academic Section spring conference and two attended the KLA general conference. Student instruction is enriched
by the librarians' knowledge of innovations in resources and technology that impact information studies.
Librarians also train paraprofessional staff. This is done at point of use, and in a general session with all library
staff that is held once each semester
[18].
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