Dear Editor

MWCC Students: Think you're connected? Think again

By: Linda Oldach, Assistant Dean, Library and Information Services

Posted: 3/1/10

You've got a cell phone, a computer, and wireless access to the Internet. You even live near Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, the first school library in the nation, public or private, to eliminate print books in favor of e-books
But unless you're connected to the LaChance Library, you may not know what you're missing!
Q. Isn't everything available free on the Web? Why do we need a library?
A. College libraries are an essential part of the learning community. Our collections, developed in conjunction with the faculty, offer the best of all worlds- -print, audio, film and electronic resources. Online journals and other key resources are not free, and the library continually negotiates affordable subscriptions for the college community. The library also provides space where communities come together, or where individuals can study on their own.

Q. Why do we need librarians? Do librarians really need degrees to do this work?
A. Librarians are experts in information management, and hold master's degrees in library and information science. Many hold additional graduate degrees. They collect, organize, and preserve knowledge in print and digital formats. With information overload, librarians provide time-saving guidance to the "best sources" (as defined by the faculty).

Q. Isn't it true students don't use the library anymore?
A. On the contrary, if you include the number of students using the online resources on the library's Web site, our use is higher than ever. These resources are available to students 24 hours a day from any Internet computer, on or off campus. They also can check the library's catalog, or instant message or e-mail questions to a librarian. According to the gate count, over 5000 library users visit the library in person each week. They come to use computers and print resources, get in-person help from the library staff, do quiet study, and work in groups with other students. Sometimes they come just to relax. The library is an important destination for many students.

Q. Since everything is electronic, shouldn't the library need less money?
A. Technology offers many advantages, but saving money isn't one of them. Most electronic journals and reference works cost as much--if not more-- than print editions, and they require computers and software that must be maintained, updated and staffed. The trade off is that access to information is increased tenfold.

Q. We're always hearing about "information literacy." What is it, anyway?
A. Information literacy means knowing how to find, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use information from a variety of sources. It means knowing when a book may be more helpful than a Web site or when a website may be more up to date than a book. It means knowing what questions to ask. Is the information complete? Accurate? Is someone trying to sell something? Good decisions depend on good information. Academic librarians teach 21st century research skills that students will use throughout their professional and personal lives. Information literacy is one of MWCC's core competencies, and every student must demonstrate mastery in order to graduate.

It's not just academic @LaChance Library. Find out how you can study smarter, research better, and get answers at the LaChance Library. Visit us in person or online at http://library.mwcc.edu.

Sincerely,
Linda Oldach, Assistant Dean, Library and Information Services