Kuhn (1996) posits that professional practice is underpinned and shaped by a received set of beliefs, values and models. Knowledge required to understand practice is embedded in the language and action of the community (Argyris, Putnam& Smith, 1985). What values, beliefs and conceptions (espoused theories) underpin and shape professional practice (theories-in-use) in information literacy education? This study is part of a larger research project which investigates relationships between espoused theories and theories-in-use of information literacy in academic libraries. The pilot study reports findings from an in-depth comparative analysis of one library's official policy documents and its online tutorial. By comparing policy language with documents that show instruction in action, different relationships were highlighted. The findings indicate varying patterns of congruence and incongruence between the library's espoused theories and theories-in-use.