This study addresses finding the best means of introducing incoming freshmen to the library and the skills and concepts of information lit eracy. The results of a traditional librarian-led orientation tour are com pared with those of a self-guided treasure hunt. As part of an Introduc tion to College Life course in a multicultural community college, stu dents in classes selected randomly participated in the alternate forms of orientation. Identical questionnaires, completed by all participants, con tained both a test of learning objectives and an attitude survey. Statisti cal analysis of the test results and highly positive feedback indicated an educational advantage in the self-guided tour, supporting active learn ing theories. The study also demonstrates the need for continuing ex perimentation, innovation, and creativity in orientation tour design, as well as the value of such introductory tours, enhancing both comfort level and skill in library use.ueensborough Community the need for library orientation has had a College of the City University long and checkered history. A series of of New York is a multicultural student workshops, accessible via signcommuter school with both up sheets, was discontinued because of traditional and nontraditional students. lack of participation. A Freshman Library Of its approximately 10,000 students, 48.4 Instruction Program, facilitated by teachpercent have part-time status. An avering faculty collaboration, was discontin age of 2,400 full-time students enter each ued because of lack of funds. Although year, with varying proportions having the perception of student need for infor nonmatriculated status; approximately 27 mation literacy skills has prompted many percent begin in the spring semester. The teachers to increase "bibliographic inKurt R. Schmeller Library faculty, made struction" class requests, some teachers up of seven full-time librarians and nine still feel that they cannot afford to give adjuncts, are noted for their student-cenup class time for a session in the library. tered patience and helpfulness. StudentsThere has never been a college or departfrom four-year schools often travel to mental course articulation policy regardQueensborough to seek needed research ing library instruction. Student participa assistance. However, attempts to address tion in library classes is determined
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