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Breaking a leg: going on stage with the educators

Breaking a leg: going on stage with the educators Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to report on the experience of a library‐based Learning Support Unit at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). It examines the background to the educational experience in libraries, major trends and resources in the area of library education, emerging strategies and how they are being translated into practical activities at WIT. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides an overview of the educational initiatives of libraries in general and of WIT Libraries in particular. It takes a descriptive or instructional “how to” approach to its topic. Research methods used include a qualitative analysis of contemporary writings on the subject, first hand accounts and evaluations of the experience of library staff at WIT Libraries, and formal and informal student surveys. Findings – The paper underlines the need for the library to be an equal partner in the educational process. The value of the librarian/lecturer partnership to the student experience is recognised. The paper finds that, in WIT's experience, it has been possible to position the library over a comparatively short timeframe as a major strategic asset for its institution simply by drawing largely on the skills and experiences of existing library staff in partnership with lecturing staff on curriculum‐related projects. Originality/value – The paper shows that it is possible for a comparatively small unit to advance library education in its parent organisation in practical, achievable steps. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Library Management Emerald Publishing

Breaking a leg: going on stage with the educators

Nora Hegarty; Tina Hurley; Ted Lynch
Library Management , Volume 26 (6/7): 12 – Aug 1, 2005
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12 pages

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2005 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0143-5124
DOI
10.1108/01435120410609770
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to report on the experience of a library‐based Learning Support Unit at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). It examines the background to the educational experience in libraries, major trends and resources in the area of library education, emerging strategies and how they are being translated into practical activities at WIT. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides an overview of the educational initiatives of libraries in general and of WIT Libraries in particular. It takes a descriptive or instructional “how to” approach to its topic. Research methods used include a qualitative analysis of contemporary writings on the subject, first hand accounts and evaluations of the experience of library staff at WIT Libraries, and formal and informal student surveys. Findings – The paper underlines the need for the library to be an equal partner in the educational process. The value of the librarian/lecturer partnership to the student experience is recognised. The paper finds that, in WIT's experience, it has been possible to position the library over a comparatively short timeframe as a major strategic asset for its institution simply by drawing largely on the skills and experiences of existing library staff in partnership with lecturing staff on curriculum‐related projects. Originality/value – The paper shows that it is possible for a comparatively small unit to advance library education in its parent organisation in practical, achievable steps.

Journal

Library Management – Emerald Publishing

Published: Aug 1, 2005

Keywords: Academic libraries; Information society; Library studies; Lifelong learning; Computer based learning; Training packages

References

  • Task Force on Academic libraries Outcomes Assessment Report
    ACRL