Levin Library: Instruction Mission Statement

The Library Instruction and Information Literacy Program is dedicated to ensuring students, staff and faculty learn to effectively find, evaluate and use information. Our mission parallels the college's mission to "develop liberally educated persons who are able to gain and to apply knowledge humanely, intelligently, and effectively in a complex, changing world." With an emphasis on active learning, the program serves the Curry College community by offering library instruction classes, Research Assistance for Papers (R.A.P.), tutorials and workshops. The librarians work to make every interaction at the library, especially reference questions, a learning opportunity for users. Ultimately, the program is designed to foster critical thinking and equip users with life-long learning skills.

Goals & Objectives

The Instruction and Information Literacy Program attempts to do the following:

• Prepare students to become lifelong learners by fostering Information Literacy skills through classroom instruction as well as individual reference interactions and RAP appointments. Interactions actively engage students and when possible, require hands-on sessions.
• Support faculty by providing their students with the research skills needed to successfully complete specific assignments.
• Promote library resources and provide training in the use of those resources when necessary.
• Cultivate enthusiasm and support for Information Literacy by meeting with faculty and staff. In collaboration, we will determine best practices for infusing those skills into assignments and/or curriculum.
• Create tools that teach and assess mastery of Information Literacy skills.
• Evaluate librarians' teaching strategies and improve them when necessary.