NorQuest sets the bar in learner supports

As one of the most diverse colleges in Canada, NorQuest offers learner supports second-to-none. Leading the way is the College’s library services.

With close to 400,000 visitors per year, the NorQuest library is unique to the post-secondary environment. Learner Centre Library staff work with a range of students, from those studying at a post-secondary level to others who are learning how to read. Library Coordinator Eve Poirier says this brings about some challenges.

“For example we can’t just buy one book on Canadian history, we have to buy five, each at a different literacy level,” explains Poirier. “It must complement the Aboriginal perspective and be understood by newcomers to Canada.”

Boasting an experienced staff, many with a master’s in Library Science, the Learner Centre provides several key services to students: information literacy instruction, educational technology, resource management, consulting and online assistance.

“Our number one goal is to help students succeed in a knowledge-based economy and in a knowledge-based society,” explains Poirier.  “Information literacy and technological literacy are essential skills.”

Two of the most popular resources are the easy reading collection and the Family Reading Centre that encourages English language students to read at home to their children. The Learner Centre has also developed 22 program-specific online research guides to strengthen literacy development for distance education students.