Truth Be Told

Project Information Literacy studied more than 8,000 students from 25 colleges and universities. Students were asked how they evaluate information and use it once they have found it, and what difficulties they encounter with research. The findings are reported in Truth Be Told: How College Students Evaluate and Use Information in the Digital Age.

• 84% reported having trouble just getting started with research assignments,
• 66% had problems defining a topic,
• Half of the students said they used the same research techniques whatever the topic,
• Only 11% reported asking the librarian for guidance

Librarian Barbara Fister comments on the report in Library Journal: "We need to think hard about what role inquiry plays in the undergraduate curriculum and how the library supports meaningful undergraduate research. Will values embedded in the process of discovering meaning while doing assignments transfer to life after college?"


Here's the preview video.

Librarians Do Gaga!

Do you think of librarians as grim, dour relics of a pre-Web era? Sarah Wachter, graduate student at the University of Washington Information School, set out to change that perception and promote the Big 6 method of teaching information literacy with her "Librarians Go Gaga" video which parodies Lady Gaga's "Pokerface."

Enjoy the video and remember, you can always "...use our catalog. Don't forget the databases" via the Richland College Library Web site or drop by the Reference Desk and visit with one of your energetic, highly skilled, search savvy information professionals. We'll "...blow your mind, show you how to find."



Learn more about Sarah Wachter and the video.

Photo by Courtesy Photo.
Performers sing in part of Lady Gaga library parody video

Librarians Initiate Library Liaison Program

In an effort to connect librarians and instructors, the librarians have began a Library Liaison Program. Librarians hope to "Put a FACE on the Library" for all of Richland's full-time and adjunct faculty members.

Our Purpose:
To encourage and facilitate personal connections between librarians and instructors
To create a principal point of contact between the program or discipline and the library


Our Strategy:
We will publish the framework for the Library Liaison Program on the web for all to see.
We will seek out problem areas and collaborate with instructors in finding solutions.
We will advertise new and little used library services in a personal way.


Our Promise:
Each FT instructor will be contacted by a librarian at some time during the academic year.
Each PT instructor currently teaching will receive an email from a librarian.

Please contact us using DCCCCD email or by calling the reference desk at 6082.

Our Resources Include:
•Serials Solutions –a tool to identify which journal titles we can access in either print or electronic format
•NoodleTools –a tool to help with MLA or APA citation and plagiarism avoidance
•ASAP –a tool to help students stay on track with a research project

Our Services Include:
•Helping you find the information you need
•Ordering books for the library in your discipline
•Locating articles for you on interlibrary loan
•Putting items on reserve for your classes
•Helping your students become information literate
•Assisting you with the design of research assignments