| Fall, 1998 | California State University Fullerton Library Update |
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| AVCMC Update |
One of the highest priorities in the University Library is to involve CSUF students in active learning that will boost their confidence, increase their knowledge of library materials, and ensure their acquisition of library and research skills. A fundamental element of this active learning is the concept of Information Competency: the ability to state a research problem, then find, evaluate, organize, synthesize, and use information to solve the problem. The University Library offers a variety of programs to enhance learning and facilitate the acquisition of Information Competency skills. These programs include formal courses such as Library 221, Electronic Resources Workshops open to all students, individual research consultations, and faculty requested Library Research and Electronic Resources Instruction sessions. Last year the Library experienced a significant increase in the number of requests for Library Research and Electronic Resources Instruction sessions. In the past, library faculty were teaching approximately 225 sessions per year. During the fall 1997 and spring 1998 semesters, the number increased to a whopping 468 sessions, with approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students participating. General sessions consist of an orientation to the library and an introduction to library research, including demonstration of the OPAC and other relevant electronic resources. Sessions tailored to the specific research needs of a class include the above, as well as advanced search techniques, analysis and use of relevant print and electronic resources, and hands-on electronic database searching. Increasingly, the sessions also include discussion of searching and evaluation of relevant or significant Internet sites. Students typically receive handouts describing Library services, research strategies and, often, bibliographies of relevant resources. Requests by faculty for Library and Electronic Resources Instruction sessions are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Preference is given to those classes in which the professor will be present. If you would like to fill out a request for library instruction electronically, a form is available at the Library's web site or you may call the Library Instruction Office at x3041. Suellen Cox
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