Instructional Services Division

Mission Statement

The Instructional Services Division serves the needs of its patrons by providing information access, instruction and assistance in the use of library resources, and to teaching the skills that enable patrons to think critically and to evaluate information.

Goals

The goals of the Instructional Services Division support the mission of the Division, Ingram Library, and the University of West Georgia. Relationship of goals to the University of West Georgia Bread and Butter Goals (BBG) and Visionary Goals (VG) are in parentheses. Bread and Butter Goals are listed at http://www.westga.edu/~spc/wordDocs/BB.doc and Visionary Goals are listed at http://www.westga.edu/~spc/wordDocs/3*5.doc.

I. Provide quality Library and research instruction and reference service to the students, faculty and staff of the University of West Georgia (BB2, BB3, BB9, VG1, VG3, VG4).

1. Instruct students in basic research methods through a credit course, LIBR1101, in classroom and web formats.
2. Participate in the "First Year" program by making LIBR1101 available to at risk students.
3. Support UWG undergraduate and graduate curriculum and research through bibliographic instruction.
4. Assist and instruct faculty in the access, evaluation, and use of information resources.
5. Develop and maintain web-based and paper instructional materials.
6. Provide instruction that utilizes a variety of teaching methods and addresses various learning styles.
7. Promote technology as a means of teaching and learning.
8. Ensure the presence of a sufficient number of personnel with appropriate education, experience, and expertise to assist and/or teach individuals or groups.

Assessment:


1. Student evaluations of LIBR1101.
2. Pre- and post-test for LIBR1101.
3. Student and faculty evaluations of bibliographic instruction sessions.
4. Statistical and narrative reports.

II. Review and improve instruction and reference services to Library users (BB3, BB9).


1. Conduct ongoing evaluation of instruction and reference services for continuous improvement and relevance to current needs.
2. Examine alternative methods for the provision of assistance or instruction to library users.
3. Remain abreast of current methods and technologies relating to information instruction and reference service and integrate them into current procedures as appropriate.
4. Support in-house Library staff development programs.
5. Encourage professional development of staff.

Assessment:


1. Yearly review of LIBR1101 and bibliographic instruction program.
2. Yearly review of reference policies.
3. Staff attendance at pertinent professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
4. Publications and presentations by Library staff.
5. Evaluations of Library staff development programs.

III. Provide adequate instruction resources and facilities to meet the needs of our patrons (BB9).


1. Collect or provide access to information germane to the mission of the Library.
2. Provide an electronic classroom that allows demonstration of the various electronic information sources available to library users and facilitates hands-on experience.
3. Coordinate and schedule all instruction sessions.

Assessment:


1. Yearly review of Reference Collection Development Policy.
2. Comparison of reference collection to standard lists of books recommended for subject areas.
3. Evaluation of subject areas by liaison librarians.
4. Problem reports for classroom and/or instruction sessions.