This article explores the role of the instruction librarian as an equal player in higher learning initiatives, and focuses on student motivation, information literacy, activity and assessment, and collaboration. Library literacy is a major component of student success in community colleges, but the role of the instruction librarian is often undervalued. Current research points to the need for strengthening college research and writing and it is now being recognised that library literacy programmes are needed more than ever to facilitate this process. This paper also looks into information literacy sessions at Bermuda College that mirror this shift in education and are beneficial to strategic planning and the accreditation of community colleges in the US and Canada.