A library that provides Information Literacy service helps address the need for skills related to finding, evaluating, and using information effectively.
The library will provide training and instruction in skills related to locating, evaluating, and using information resources of all types. Teaching the public to find and evaluate information will be stressed over simply providing answers to questions. The library will provide access to information in a variety of formats and will offer public Internet training and access. Library staff will be knowledgeable about how peo9ple seek information and learn. Staff may offer group classes, individual tutoring, or spontaneous one-on-one training in topics such as media literacy or finding resources on the Internet. The library may provide a computer laboratory or classroom.
Rowan Public Library is located in historic Salisbury, NC and serves a population of nearly 121,000 through a Headquarters Library in Salisbury and two branches, in Landis and Rockwell, NC. A staff of 45 FTE, including 12 librarians serves the public library.
By providing Information Literacy Service, Rowan Public Library helps its users develop skills related to finding, evaluating, and using information effectively in a variety of formats so that they may continue to explore and satisfy their information needs throughout their lives.
General population including children, young adults, and adults.
To provide access to information in a variety of formats and provide both one on one and group instruction in finding, evaluating, and using these information resources--in print and electronic format as well as the Internet.
- Acquire informational materials in all subject areas.
Provide reference assistance that often includes helping the public use the catalog as well as strategies for finding and evaluating information in multiple formats.
- Offer public Internet classes.
- Offer public E-mail use classes.
- Provide public workstations for Internet access, research databases, and productivity software.
- Provide Interlibrary Loan Service for users requesting materials not owned by the library.
- Provide bookmarks, brochures, and pathfinders to help the public find informational resources in special subject areas.
- Provide orientation tours and how to find information sessions for local students and other groups.
- Provide brochure on how to find information for students conducting library research.
- Provide Internet demonstrations for community and civic groups as well as county departments.
Staffing: Currently staff members in various divisions and locations provide information literacy related services. All librarians at the library spend time on a public information service desk each week. 3 full-time Information services librarians spend 20 hours per week, one part time librarian spends 16 hours per week, and various supervisors and managers each spend 4 to 8 hours per week on an information desk. Additionally, paraprofessional staffs provide information services at branch locations and our headquarters Internet Information Station. This staff has training in using computers, electronic resources, and the Internet in finding and evaluating information.Facilities: Facilities consist of a library headquarters with 47,000 square feet, one branch with 7,000, and one branch with 4,000 square feet.
Collections/Information Resources: The collection consists of 186,191 print volumes, 504 serial subscriptions, and 247 materials in electronic format, including CD-ROM research, educational, and productivity resources, as well as access to the Internet.
Equipment and Technology: Microcomputer workstations for the public are provided in each information service area, including the Local History and Genealogy Collection, Children’s Services, Information Services, and at each branch location. Photocopiers are available at all locations, as well as Microfilm readers/printers are provided at headquarters location.
Rowan Public Library coordinates information literacy related services with various local organizations. We have developed links with the local schools to coordinate student orientation and projects, as well as Quiz Bowl and the Battle of the Books. We have working relationships with groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Information and Referral, Literacy Council, Home School Association, and SCORE–(the Service Corps of Retired Executives) to coordinate information services, and have also worked with other local groups, including the Optimists, Kiwanis, Master Gardeners, Senior Center, and Rotary to demonstrate Internet resources related to their special interests.
The funding for Information Literacy Services comes primarily from our county government. Additionally, we receive state and federal funding as well as special funding from private foundations, gifts, and from State Library and LSCA grants.
Methods used to measure service include transaction counts, interlibrary loan requests filled, program attendance and evaluations, number of acquisitions, web counters, recorded use of resources, and door counts. With the recent classes on Internet Basics and Email, we have tripled the number of classes offered to meet continued high demand. Similarly, we have experienced a more than 200% increase in Internet use over the last year. We have experienced an increase in the number and complexity of reference transactions over the past two years, noting that we frequently combine answers, bibliographic instruction and technology expertise in the course of regular work.