A new Library 160 requirement is being implemented this fall.

Library 160 is now a prerequisite or a co-requisite for all incoming freshmen in English 105, said Olivia Madison, associate professor in library science.

This requirement is so students in English 105 will know how to use research materials in Parks Library and other libraries, Madison said.

Upperclassmen who have already taken English 105, will still have Library 160 as a general education requirement and a graduation requirement.

The purpose of Library 160, Madison said, is to provide students with the basic skills of library research materials so students know how to use the library while at ISU.

The decision to implement the new requirement was made by the University Curriculum Committee to force students to take the class their freshman year. The committee is hoping to avoid juniors and seniors who still need to take the class, Madison said.

More sections have been added and section size has been increased. About 38 to 40 sections are now taught and 10 more students are allowed in each section. More summer sections are also taught, Madison added.

“More favorable comments in the class evaluations have arisen because the class is an independent study, self-paced class,” Madison said.

Freshman Emily Waller, an elementary education major in Library 160, said she thinks it is a good requirement. “It is helping a lot,” she said.

“It is a useful class and it is a good overview of the library,” added junior J.C. Peck, a business and finance major currently enrolled in Library 160.