Why Library/Information Literacy Instruction?

Library Instruction @ GTC is designed to help prepare students to be workforce-ready information users and savvy information consumers.  We deliver instruction in a variety of ways including online access to subject guides & tutorials via LibGuides, point-of-need individual assistance and hands-on workshops.

The GTC Library Staff is committed to providing tools to help students conduct research & find resources relevant to their needs. Library instruction sessions aim to encourage lifelong learning as well as academic discovery.

 Here is a sampling of what is generally covered in library instruction workshops:

• General information about the library and the services we offer
• How to search the library catalog and locate material in the library
• How to search and retrieve journal, magazine and newspaper articles using electronic resources/databases
• Finding and evaluating reliable Internet resources
• Crediting sources and creating citations

• Upon request, library staff will also provide basic library orientation sessions at the beginning of the semester. These are essentially library tours that outline library services and introduce the many valuable & relevant resources available for the GTC community. 

• Library staff are also available for customized course instruction.  Instructors are invited to contact the library to discuss the various research topics of interest and assist with designing specialized courses.
  • We encourage course faculty to participate in these sessions. By interjecting helpful hints from the the instructor's own experience as well as emphasizing key resources and skills, students are able to connect the content of the instruction with the content of the course and the finished product their instructor expects.
  • These sessions tend to be most effective at the time of need. Providing the library with a copy of the assignments or research topics will help us best serve your students by customizing the session to their specific needs.
  • We also ask that you provide us with advance notice of your request for a workshop. A couple of weeks is excellent.

• In addition to faculty-scheduled sessions, we also schedule a variety content-focused workshops featuring specific databases or current topics of interest. Check the Instruction Calendar to see what's happening at the GTC Library Learning Space.

The GTC Library Learning Space is in the Library, Building 100, Room 402C. When the room is not being used for instruction, it is available for student use during library hours.