The University Library is diligent in its efforts to provide regular and timely instruction in the use of the library and other learning/information resources to all students. The Library also assists Distance Learning in providing easy access to tutorials and help pages to facilitate student success in courses in which they are enrolled that are delivered using internet or web-based instruction.

Frazar Memorial Library Information Literacy and Bibliographic Instruction

The Library facilitates student success and encourages lifelong learning through extensive library and information literacy instruction programs. The Library defines information literacy as “the ability to locate, organize, evaluate, and use information resources required for work-related, recreational or academic needs” (Library Orientation website).

To ensure that students acquire the necessary information literacy skills, Reference Services librarians tailor library instruction to individual and/or group curriculum requirements and use a variety of instructional methodologies. Literacy information sessions may be as general as providing an overall tour of the library and as specific as introducing students to a particular database or government documents. Individual instructors schedule library orientation sessions as appropriate to their needs.

In addition to specialized bibliographic instruction, the University library provides instruction to all incoming students as a part of the Orientation process. To ensure each McNeese student achieves information literacy, the Library introduces students to a library slideshow and tutorial, which provide both general and specific information about the library. Students may access this site from computers either on or off campus at any time. This site also offers tips on how to start a research project, basic Internet instruction, and a glossary of library terms. The list of information literacy objectives which guides the Orientation workshops and the individualized instruction is attached as a supporting document. Also attached is the assessment tool used to measure information literacy skills in students who participate in the Orientation workshop and individualized instruction. The Reference librarians review student performance on the Library Orientation worksheet and determine ways to deliver instruction more effectively.

The Electronic Classroom

The electronic classroom in the Library is equipped with twenty-three fully Internet-capable computer workstations (twenty desktop computers, 2 two laptops, and an instructor's computer). The classroom can accommodate a maximum of fifty-eight individuals. Group instruction is done in collaboration with faculty to ensure maximum effectiveness of instruction and student learning.

In addition, the Library's hands-on instruction and interaction with students during and after classes promotes better understanding and improves knowledge retention. The table below reflects the number of students served in a two-year period. The four-month-long forced closure of the Library as a result of Hurricane Rita resulted in a significantly fewer number of courses offered during the 2005-06 academic year. The 2004-05 numbers are more reflective of typical bibliographic instruction than are the 2005-06 numbers:

Bibliographic Instruction Classes 2004/05-2005/06

Source: Frazar Memorial Library

Reference Librarians and Individualized Support

Patrons who require or wish individualized help with research or library resources are assisted by one or more of the professional librarians on staff in each of the library departments. A professional librarian is on duty at the Reference desk for seventy-five percent of the Library’s hours of operation time, approximately sixty hours. For the remaining twenty-five percent of the operation time (approximately twenty hours), a paraprofessional or graduate student is on hand to answer reference questions. Professional librarians also conduct the information literacy workshops, oversee the library’s serials collections, manage the archives, and are available to assist patrons with particular needs throughout the library workday. Library staff at the University hold master's degrees from schools accredited by the American Library Association. A more detailed discussion of library staff is provided in Comprehensive Standard 3.8.3.

Support for Internet or Web-Based Courses

Students who enroll in internet or web-based courses are also provided with regular and timely instruction in resources available through the Library and internal and external websites. Ample technical support is provided for students who wish to enroll in web-based courses. A direct link to a variety of tutorial programs is made available to students via the Distance Learning website. Students are advised before enrolling in electronically-delivered courses to determine whether or not these courses are suitable for their needs and resources. The following services are provided through the Library as support for distance-learning courses. This information is available to students through the Library homepage.

Instruction: Librarians are available to instruct students and faculty in the use of the library's online databases and electronic resources. Librarians provide a variety of instruction-based services. Two examples of these services include the following: (1) speak to classes about information literacy issues, bibliographic instruction, research strategies, and library resources; (2) answer questions and provide direct assistance to individuals through phone, e-mail or fax. The library also provides instructional materials and subject guides for electronic information resources.

Document Delivery: Distance Education students and faculty may contact the library and have books and journal articles mailed, e-mailed, or faxed to their homes or offices. Reference librarians will also locate items that are not available at the McNeese library and have them delivered through Interlibrary Loan. In addition, Distance Education students and faculty may receive a LALINC Borrowing Card which will allow them to borrow books and use the services of most other universities and community colleges in the state.

Reference & Research Assistance: The Reference Department is available for students who require assistance with research. Reference librarians assist in selecting sources and databases appropriate for research projects, guide students in locating books, articles, and other materials in the Library stacks, and provide general research assistance.

Technical Assistance: The Reference Department provides basic technical advice about connecting to the library webpage, online databases, online request forms, e-mail, internet, and requirements for accessing, downloading, and receiving requested materials.

University, Library & Course Information: The Reference Department answers questions regarding Distance Learning programs, the University, the Library, and about courses. When unable to assist students, they forward student requests to the appropriate department or individual (Frazar Memorial Library Distance Learning Services website).

Evaluation of Services

In its efforts to ensure that students and faculty are adequately served, the Library conducts periodic surveys and carefully reviews data provided by this medium. The table below reflects the response of Library patrons to questions regarding Library service during the Spring 2005 Library Survey. Due to exigent circumstances brought about by Hurricane Rita, no survey was administered during Fall 2005-Spring 2006 semesters.

An additional indicator of performance used by the Library staff to evaluate student satisfaction is the Student Opinion Survey. Students who participate in this survey of services delivered across the campus are compared with students across the country. In both 2004 and 2005, McNeese students rated Frazar Memorial Library higher than the national average, an indicator which attests to the quality of service delivered by the Library and its staff.

Student Opinion Survey 2004/05 - Library Facilities and Services

Supporting Evidence

Information Literacy Objectives

McNeese Library

McNeese Library Reference Department

McNeese Library Slideshow and Tutorial

Sample Library Instruction Request