College and university libraries are being called upon to use outcomes assessment to demonstrate their impact on student learning. Despite this trend, little has been reported in the literature on the value of pre-instruction assessment of freshmen before initiating program change, development, or assessment. This study reports on one library’s attempt at pre-instruction assessment of incoming freshmen. The advantages of establishing a baseline of freshman library skills are re-viewed. Also offered are suggestions for those libraries that are considering similar assessment projects.

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