The role of the library in the first college year: the Canadian perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The aims of this paper is to provide an overview on information literacy/library programs for first‐year students in Canadian universities and colleges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces and discusses periodical articles, monographs and up‐to‐date research on the subject. It presents anecdotal evidence gained from web site searches of 169 Canadian post‐secondary institutions complemented by personal communications from library and student services staff.

Findings

The study provides information about several types of library services for first‐year students currently in use in Canadian academic libraries.

Originality/value

There is no evidence of research in the area of library services for first‐year college and university students in Canada. This paper complements research on information literacy/library programs offered through academic libraries in other countries by focusing solely on first‐year student initiatives in Canadian academic libraries.

Citation

Trescases, U. (2008), "The role of the library in the first college year: the Canadian perspective", Reference Services Review, Vol. 36 No. 3, pp. 301-311. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320810895387