New NVC Library Attracts 70 Percent More Students

It also offers improved information literacy courses

Since the relocation of Northwest Vista’s library from Manzanillo Hall in August to its new space at the Redbud Learning Center, services have improved and expanded, and the atmosphere has taken on a new dimension. Many students have expressed they see the new space like a book store where they can study, read magazines, ask questions and even get a latte.

Numbers show that students are welcoming this new environment. Last September, the Redbud Learning Center attracted 20,657 visitors. This September, it lured 35,824 visitors, a whopping 73 percent increase.

“Students see the library as more inviting,” said Christine Godin, the dean of Learning Services. “The increase in the number of students has gone through the roof and the reference desk is getting more questions than ever before.”

The only challenge now, Christine added, is that some students see it as a hangout. She said when Cypress College Center opens in January, it will give students another place to socialize.

NVC student Jacqueline Rodriguez said she likes how the new library is larger and more open.

“You don’t feel as condensed as you did in the previous space, and it makes you want to study more,” Jacqueline said. “I’m here almost every day and the coffee spot is an added bonus.”

NVC student Danielle Stephens added the new library feels like a bookstore, and that’s probably why she enjoys it more than at the previous location.

New Information Literacy Classes

Along with the open setting, the library staff recently launched a series of improved information literacy classes to teach students, faculty and staff how to effectively use the library.

The previous library classes packed several topics into one session and were offered at the request of faculty. Now, the classes are separated into subjects, such as Introduction to Research and Citing Sources. The classes are open to all students.

“Before, there was too much information for it to be a good learning opportunity,” said librarian Linda Reeves. “Now, with the new classes, learning is more active and collaborative.”

Improvements are nothing new to the NVC library. Even prior to the new information literacy offerings, the library’s instruction program increased every year. In fact, from 2001 to 2007, the instruction program increased from 117 classes to 447, or an increase of 282 percent. The NVC library staff is pleased with the results. They say the goal in library instruction is to empower the students to be in charge of their own learning while attending NVC and beyond.