Technological tools for library user education: one library's experience

In today's world, library users are confronted with almost too many options for using information because of the ubiquitousness of technology. Yet, libraries can harness the power of the same technologies to help users find the information they need at the time it is needed. The tools described in this article represent a starting point for librarians looking for technologies that are easy to use, inexpensive, and have a reasonable learning curve. Technologies addressed include classroom technologies such as audience response systems and Web-based technologies, including Web tutorials and screencasting. These technologies enhance and offer flexibility and variety in many educational settings.     

Reference librarians' perceptions of the issues they face as academic health information professionals.

Background: Leaders in the profession encourage academic health sciences librarians to assume new roles as part of the growth process for remaining vital professionals. Have librarians embraced these new roles?Objectives: This research sought to examine from the reference librarians'' viewpoints how their roles have changed over the past ten years and what the challenges these changes present as viewed by both the librarians and library directors.Method: A series of eight focus groups was conducted with reference librarians from private and public academic health sciences libraries. Directors of these libraries were interviewed separately.Results: Reference librarians'' activities have largely confirmed the role changes anticipated by their leaders. They are teaching more, engaging in outreach through liaison initiatives, and designing Web pages, in addition to providing traditional reference duties. Librarians offer insights into unanticipated issues encountered in each of these areas and offer some creative solutions. Directors discuss the issues from their unique perspective.Conclusion: Librarians have identified areas for focusing efforts in lifelong learning. Adult learning theory, specialized databases and resources needed by researchers, ever-evolving technology, and promotion and evaluation of the library are areas needing attention. Implications for library education and continuing professional development are presented.     

Technological Tools for Library User Education

Abstract

In today's world, library users are confronted with almost too many options for using information because of the ubiquitousness of technology. Yet, libraries can harness the power of the same technologies to help users find the information they need at the time it is needed. The tools described in this article represent a starting point for librarians looking for technologies that are easy to use, inexpensive, and have a reasonable learning curve. Technologies addressed include classroom technologies such as audience response systems and Web-based technologies, including Web tutorials and screencasting. These technologies enhance and offer flexibility and variety in many educational settings.     

Survey of Ohio's Prison Libraries

ABSTRACT

While prison libraries offer growing job opportunities for librarians, few professionals are aware of the concerns and challenges facing prison librarians. This survey was conducted to help develop a profile of Ohio's prison libraries which may be useful to librarians and MLS students who are considering employment in this area. Other professionals may also use the information to develop better understanding, more appreciation, and greater respect for the very challenging field of prison librarianship.     

高校图书馆虚拟参考咨询服务对学生信息查询行为的指导策略

高校图书馆虚拟参考咨询服务是支持学生学习的一个重要途径,文章基于教育学原理总结出一些参考咨询员可以用来提升学生信息查询行为的指导策略,在提供咨询服务的同时,激发学生的学习积极性和实践能力,从而提升其信息查询能力。     

Preparing to Teach in Cyberspace:

Teaching librarians to teach is an ongoing concern for instruction librarians. The literature confirms that many library and information science programs provide no formal coursework to prepare their students for a career in user education. This lack of formal preparation is compounded by additional demands for a grounding in educational technology and pedagogy. On-the-job-training has become the rule rather than the exception for most instruction librarians. This paper addresses practical concerns encountered at the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries in providing resources and empowering education for librarians and staff members who teach, as well as the philosophical adoption of Computer-Based Education (CBE) principles and a modification of Raganathan's five laws of library science to create a flexible teaching and learning environment for real and vitrual libraries.     

What's Theory Got to Do with It? Applying Educational Theory and Research to Revamp Freshman Library Workshops

Although librarians’ increasingly important role as teachers is among the most significant shifts and trends that have been reshaping academic libraries over the past few decades, most academic librarians have not received formal training in pedagogy and teaching. The authors describe how becoming familiar with educational theory and research enabled them to revamp freshmen library workshops. They provide a theoretical overview and present practical classroom applications of learning styles theory, active learning techniques, learning by analogies, collaborative learning, and group work. Learning theories and educational research findings, the authors suggest, can be readily translated into practice and inform the teaching of information literacy to freshmen.     

Providing Reference Services for Young Adults

Summary

With more resource-based learning, libraries have become central in adolescent academic lives. School and public librarians play unique and overlapping roles in providing students with informational needs. School librarians, as educators, work with classroom teachers to design meaningful lessons that draw upon available resources. However, school librarians cannot work independently of public librarians, especially reference specialists. While school libraries focus on tools that support the curriculum, public libraries offer references for broad public use. Ideally, public and school libraries coalesce for collection development and service coordination. This article discusses issues and opportunities for school-public library partnerships and coalitions to benefit teens.     

Problem-based learning and libraries: a survey of the literature

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Expanding the Learning Community

Summary

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Summary

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