Students who use the library do better. That's a bold statement, but one I believe the Paul H. Thompson Library on the Fayetteville campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College can back up. 

While going about our daily work as librarians, students often come by to let us know they got an “A” on their research paper and offer thanks for our help. Recently, a nursing student came by after graduating to express her thanks. “I couldn’t have done it without the help of library staff,” she said. 

Success stories like these let us know that we are having a positive impact on student success and making a difference within the Fayetteville community. 

The faculty engage with the library by arranging library orientations that familiarize students with library resources, how to access resources on and off campus and how to use those resources to complete assignments. Our faculty members tell us that students attending library orientations are showing marked improvement in the quality of student research and writing, class engagement and willingness to request additional help at the library. 

A report released by the State Library of North Carolina titled "Community College Libraries & Librarians and Student Success" provided a direct link between library use and students completing all first year courses successfully, learning basic skills needed to be employed, learning English and reading skills needed to succeed in college and preparing to transfer to a four-year college or university. 

The library’s ability to help students succeed relies primarily on its willingness to adapt to meet the needs of students on campus and distance learners. The Paul H. Thompson Library underwent a physical renovation, and library staff have received valuable feedback from students about how they enjoy using the new space. Students can move tables around for large groups, use the charging stations for their laptops and phones and connect them to interactive computers or spend some time alone in a welcoming and comfortable space to escape for a while by enjoying a good book. In the fall 2019 semester, the library will introduce a 3D printer to enhance student creativity and learning. 

Whether a student is across town or across the world, distance learners have access to library staff at the Paul H. Thompson Library to assist with reference questions during business hours, in person or by calling 910-678-8247 or emailing library@faytechcc.edu. When the library is closed, students can contact a librarian by using the online “Ask-a-Librarian ChatNow” button located on the library homepage at https://www.faytechcc.edu/campus-life/academic-support/library/. The library web page provides students with access to thousands of e-books, electronic journals and online tutorials that demonstrate how to use library resources. 

Three locations support FTCC students with library services and dedicated library staff: the Paul H. Thompson Library at the Fayetteville campus; the Spring Lake Campus Branch Library (910-497-3650); and the John L. Throckmorton Library at Fort Bragg (910-396-2665). We look forward to serving you and invite you to learn more about FTCC at www.faytechcc.edu. 

The Paul H. Thompson Library underwent a physical renovation, and library staff have received valuable feedback from students about how they enjoy using the new space.