The library takes the following actions to fulfill its mission:
1. Information Literacy:
- Develop instructional programs: We create targeted instructional programs that aim to educate students and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to become proficient and information-literate researchers.
- Guide and support students: We actively assist and support students throughout their academic journey, offering guidance in navigating scholarly resources, enhancing information literacy, developing critical thinking skills, and achieving excellence in their respective fields of study.
- Apply student-centered and universal design principles: We design our instructional programs with a focus on meeting the diverse needs of our students, incorporating principles of universal design to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all learners.
- Flexibility and collaboration: We remain flexible in response to student needs, working collaboratively with faculty members to make informed decisions regarding instructional approaches and adapting to evolving educational landscapes.
- Assessment and improvement: We regularly assess the effectiveness of our information literacy classes, gathering user feedback and actionable data to drive improvements and measure the impact of our instructional efforts.
2. Information Resources:
- Deliver high-quality resources: We provide access to a comprehensive collection of high-quality resources that align with the educational and professional goals of our students.
- Collaborate with faculty: We work closely with faculty to select resources that support the curriculum of Norwalk Community College, ensuring that our collection remains relevant and meets the needs of the academic programs.
- Interdisciplinary focus: We strive to build a collection that goes beyond disciplinary boundaries, fostering interdisciplinary scholarship and serving as a hub for diverse areas of study.
- Range of viewpoints and opinions: We curate resources that represent a wide range of viewpoints and opinions, recognizing the importance of intellectual freedom and supporting the exploration of ideas without restriction.
- Cultural preservation: We actively collect, preserve, and conserve resources of cultural value and historical significance to the communities we serve, contributing to the preservation of local heritage.
3. Technology:
- Access to technology: We provide access to technology spaces, resources, and tools that facilitate interactivity and creativity for both students and staff.
- User-friendly systems and policies: We establish intuitive systems, procedures, and policies related to technology to ensure accessibility and ease of use for all library users.
- Experimentation with new technologies: We actively seek out and experiment with emerging technologies, encouraging intellectual curiosity and leveraging innovative tools to enhance learning experiences.
4.Library Staff:
- Equitable access and promotion: We are committed to providing equitable and impartial access to resources, services, and programs for all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds or identities.
- Transparent communication: We actively promote library services and resources, ensuring transparency in our decision-making processes and being accountable for our actions.
- Inclusive and respectful environment: We foster an inclusive and respectful environment by listening to and addressing the needs of the NCC community, valuing diverse perspectives, and promoting a sense of belonging.
- Addressing biases: We engage in ongoing self-reflection and work to address personal and organizational biases, aiming to transform our practices as librarians and ensure fairness and inclusivity.
- Professional development and inclusive workplace: We support the professional development of library staff, fostering a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and open to change.
Through these actions, the library strives to provide a comprehensive and inclusive environment that supports the diverse learning and research needs of the Norwalk Community College community. [Summer 2023]