The Necessary Library Revolution in Community College Developmental and Remedial Programs

Abstract

Community college libraries need to address the problems of disenfranchised, impoverished, and disadvantaged Americans. Community college students, who tend to be older, poorer, and have greater responsibilities than traditional college students, tend also to have a greater need for developmental and remedial programming. Both community colleges and libraries are known for their commitment to serving students and patrons, so it is logical that community college students' special needs should be emphasized in community college libraries. This paper explores different techniques that can and have been utilized for this purpose along with the political and motivational obstacles to implementing them. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service:

Conceptualization and practice of information literacy instruction in community colleges

“…Information literacy instruction, one of the foundations for lifelong learning (IFLA, 2005), is one way to help students succeed (Patterson, 2009;Rosselle, 2009;Thomas, 2000).…”

“…Giving students access to IL instruction creates a foundation of lifelong learning that will benefit them throughout their academic career (Blackburn, 2010;Patterson, 2009;Rosselle, 2009;Thomas, 2000) and beyond. Students who are able to critically examine information to better understand how the information was created, who created it, why it was created, who owns it, and so on are more likely to succeed at their academic goals, as well as having the skills to use for critically examining information in the rest of their life.…”

“…More than half, 60%, of community college students are enrolled part-time while only 40% are enrolled full-time (AACC, 2014). Non-traditional students are students who do not enter college directly out of high program (Thomas, 2000). The National Center for Education Statistics says that "Nontraditional status is based on the presence of one or more of seven possible nontraditional characteristics.…”

“…Information literacy instruction is an important part in helping students succeed in their educational journey. Thomas (2000) explained that, "Developmental students who learn to use the library may develop better self-esteem and become academically motivated. They are likely to succeed and excel, even, in college-level courses" (p. 54).…”

“…Research shows that information literate students are more likely to be successful in college (Jones-Kavalier & Flannigan, 2008;Patterson, 2009). However, community college students are more likely to start college with lower levels of information literacy (IL) than their 4-year counterparts (Patterson, 2009;Rosselle, 2009;Thomas, 2000). Debora Cheney (2010) found that "students typically use information that finds them rather than deciding what information they need" (p. 46).…”