Library Instruction Policy

The Reference/Instruction program at Cannell Library supports the Clark College Mission and Mission Imperatives. Library faculty provide leadership and support for learner-focused education to encourage members of the college community to become Information Literate Citizens as defined by the Clark College Information/Technology Ability (I/T). The I/T ability states that students "are able to ethically access, organize, evaluate, document and present information using electronic, print and human resources." See (Information Literacy Outcomes.)

Instruction Sessions:
At Cannell Library, most library sessions are held in the Cannell Library Instruction Lab (Room 203). This lab can accommodate 28 students. At CTC, library sessions can be held either in the instructor's classroom or in the classroom, Room 207 (contact Joanne Savage to check availability and to book the room). Workshops for students or faculty can be arranged. Classes must be scheduled at least 7 working days in advance. Because of limited availability of both staff and classroom space, please make requests as early as possible.

Plan to meet with library faculty at least 5 working days before class to review potential assignments, skills required for successful completion, and instructional time needed. Classroom faculty is expected to attend the sessions. This will allow for more interactions between the class and the librarian and improves the session(s) for your students. It also allows you to provide feedback to the librarian to improve future sessions.

Library Assignments:
Library faculty is glad to work with Classroom faculty to design assignments. Please see the handout: Creating Effective Library Assignments. Also see Ideas for Library Assignments for variety of inspiring ideas that promote information literacy and research skills.

Tours:
Because teaching to Clark's Information/Technology Ability is our highest priority, Cannell Librarians can no longer offer Library Tours. A self-guided walking tour is available with the other library handouts by the front door or from the Reference Desk. This tour is appropriate for individuals or groups. Optional practice exercises are attached for those who wish to complete them.

Handouts/Worksheets: A wide variety of handouts are available near the front door of the library or on our "How Do I" page. Instructors are welcome to make copies of library handouts for their classes.

Style Sheets: Handouts illustrating MLA and APA bibliographic styles are available by the front door of the library, on the Cannell Library web page or at the Reference Desk.

For more information or to schedule sessions, please contact one of the Reference Librarians: