Empowering First-Year Students with Information Literacy Skills
"The library is the heart of an academic institution, where knowledge meets curiosity and learning begins."
To help first-year students embark on their academic journey with confidence, the Central Library of G. Venkataswamy Naidu College organized a Library Orientation Programme. The programme was designed to familiarize newly admitted students with the library's resources, facilities, services, and digital learning tools while encouraging them to cultivate lifelong reading and research habits.
A Warm Welcome to the Library
The programme began with an inspiring address by Dr. S. Gandhimathi, Librarian, who welcomed the students and emphasized the significance of the library as an indispensable academic resource. She encouraged students to make the best use of the library's print and electronic collections to enrich their learning experience.
Exploring the Library
The orientation featured a guided tour of the library, where students were introduced to various sections, including:
Reference Section
Lending Section
Department-wise Book Collections
Periodicals and Newspapers
Digital Resources and Online Services
Reading Hall and Study Areas
Students were also informed about library membership, borrowing procedures, book classification, shelving arrangements, and the importance of maintaining library discipline.
Hands-on Learning Experience
A key highlight of the programme was the practical demonstration on accessing library resources. Students learned how to:
Search books using the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).
Locate books through call numbers.
Access e-resources and digital databases.
Utilize reference materials for assignments and project work.
Follow best practices for effective academic research.
The interactive session encouraged students to ask questions and gain confidence in using the library independently.
Enthusiastic Participation
The programme witnessed the active participation of 298 first-year students and 15 faculty members. The enthusiastic response reflected the students' eagerness to explore the library and understand its role in supporting their academic success.
Positive Feedback
Students appreciated the informative and interactive nature of the programme. They found the live demonstrations, library tour, and practical guidance especially valuable in understanding how to access and utilize library resources effectively.
Learning Outcomes
The programme successfully enabled students to:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the library's facilities and services.
Develop basic information retrieval and research skills.
Learn to locate books using classification and call number systems.
Access digital resources for academic learning.
Understand library rules, etiquette, and responsible use of resources.
Looking Ahead
The Library plans to continue organizing orientation programmes for every new batch of students and conduct advanced workshops on research methodology, academic databases, citation management, reference management software, and plagiarism awareness to strengthen students' information literacy skills.
The Library Orientation Programme 2026–2027 was highly successful in introducing first-year students to the rich learning environment of the Central Library. Through interactive sessions, guided tours, and practical demonstrations, students gained valuable knowledge and confidence in utilizing library resources effectively.
The programme reaffirmed the Library's commitment to supporting academic excellence and nurturing a culture of reading, research, and lifelong learning among students.
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Librarian, welcoming students and explaining the library's facilities and services.
Interactive orientation session introducing students to library resources, rules, and research support services.
Students learning to locate books using the departmental shelving system and call numbers.
"Read More • Discover More • Learn More – Your Journey Begins at the Library!"
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