Becoming an Andragogical Librarian: Using Library Instruction as a Tool to Combat Library Anxiety and Empower Adult Learners

Andragogy refers to theory specific to teaching adults, as opposed to pedagogy, which refers to the teaching methodologies used to instruct children. Popularized by adult educator Malcolm Knowles, andragogy relies on 5 basic tenants: adult learners are self-directed, they possess life experience that informs their learning, they possess a desire to actively participate in the learning process, their learning needs to be relevant to their lives, and they are highly motivated to learn. A review of the literature in library science (specifically library instruction) and adult education aims to arm librarians with a working knowledge of andragogy. This is an especially important undertaking as adult learners are becoming a much larger student demographic at colleges and universities around the world, and the specific needs, characteristics, and anxieties of adult learners are often overlooked. Instruction librarians’ most valuable tool for working with adult learners is bibliographic instruction. Effectively designed sessions can alleviate the library anxiety of adult learners and empower them to become better students.     

How Are Teacher-Librarians Finding Resources for Coursework?

Abstract

Providing distance learners access to library services does not automatically translate into usage of those resources. The literature on information-seeking behaviour of distance learners has indicated that they prefer to use local resources, as well as Web-based resources. This study investigates perspectives on library services and available resources for distance learners in the Teacher-Librarianship by Distance Learning program at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. The findings suggest that distance learners in this program tend to rely on local and familiar resources, have a lack of awareness or understanding of certain library services provided to them, rely heavily on electronic full-text availability, and may feel isolated from fellow students, resulting in low collaboration in the process of accessing information. The researchers suggest developing effective marketing strategies and collaborating with faculty to promote usage of library services provided to distance learners.     

The After-Five Syndrome: Library Hours and Services for the Adult Learner

Summary

“Communication” is the key to providing appropriate library hours and services for adult learners, students twenty-four years of age and older. This report of a survey at Western Oregon University shows that while there are some differences, the needs of both adult learners and traditional students may be similar. Both groups have a need for a variety of library hours, especially evening and weekend hours, and for remote access to both library collections and services.     

Helping Adult Undergraduates Make the Best Use of Emerging Technologies

Summary

College campuses are faced with an ever-increasing number of adult undergraduates, some of whom are returning to complete degree programs, while others are coming to college for the first time. In order to teach these adult learners effectively, colleges must recognize that they have academic and social needs, as well as life experiences, that are different from those of the traditional-aged undergraduates, and adapt their educational approaches accordingly. Adult students' experiences with and beliefs about libraries and information technology also differ from those of younger students. This must be taken into account when providing library instruction to this population.     

We Cannot See Them,But They Are There

Abstract

Distance learners are a unique target-population for the marketing of library services and resources. Because these patrons do not visit the library often, if at all, it is crucial to actively promote the library resources and services available to them. Marketing strategies for distance learning library services need to take a multifaceted approach to reach distance learners in as many ways as possible, and collaboration with various groups and departments on campus is an important part of the process. Promotion of distance library services can take advantage of high-tech options, but it should also work in the realm of “traditional” publicity as well.     

Partners in Emerging Technology

Abstract

This paper discusses how the University of Wyoming Libraries have worked in partnership with the larger institution and its Outreach School to develop a strategic plan for the future of distance education at the University of Wyoming. This collaboration insures that distance learners receive comparable library services to on-campus learners. The authors focus on how the World Wide Web is utilized to provide library services to students, in particular to online students.     

New Partnerships for New Learning

Abstract

This paper describes a model program at DePaul University of partnering the Library with an academic department, specifically the School for New Learning. This department was established solely to serve the non-traditional adult student and lifelong learner. The historical background of adult education, the development of the School for New Learning, the shared goal of the Library and the department, the history and development of the partnership, the role of the library liaison, and how the partnership has changed the curriculum and library programs are discussed. Future ideas for the direction of this partnership are examined.     

Reference Services to Police Officer Students at the School of Police Staff and Command,Traffic Institute,Northwestern University

Summary

This paper focuses on the reference services provided by librarians at the Transportation Library for the police officer students enrolled in the School of Police Staff and Command, Traffic Institute, Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois). Although this program is unique, the wealth of experience gained over several years can be useful for others who are planning and implementing services for adult learners within an academic environment. The Transportation Library's unusual organizational culture—a corporate library within an academic setting- and a variety of clients necessitates “changing gears” and services to meet the needs of each group.     

Reference Services: Meeting the Needs of International Adult Learners

Summary

International adult learners constitute a very large percentage of the international student and scholar population in the United States. The ability of this adult group to use libraries is hampered not only by their language, cultural and educational barriers, but also by librarians' limited understanding of their differences in learning styles. The relationship between learning styles and the methods of instructing them in library use is addressed in this paper. Recommendations for training and instruction of librarians on meeting the needs of this culturally diverse group are also provided.     

Red,White, and Blues

Abstract

Over the last decade, an increasing number of academic institutions have built satellite campuses and developed online courses to meet the needs of distance learners. As these academic institutions have expanded, demand for library service has increased significantly. In an attempt to expand its course offerings to distance learners, Regent University began offering online courses during the early 1990s, and it also developed a new satellite campus. As the Regent University Library has explored new and varied ways to serve students on the new satellite campus and other distance learners, the implementation of services has been challenging, but rewarding, for the library staff.     

From IM to Collaboration

Abstract

As library service providers for distance learners, we are constantly searching for ways to assist them in their use of library resources. Virtual (real-time chat) reference is yet another tool to utilize in reaching these students. While virtual reference has been around for several years and many libraries offer such services, as a medium-sized institution, Emporia State University took some time to move into providing such a service on a formal basis. Several issues, including staffing and funding, delayed entrance into this arena. It was not until a collaborative academic reference venture among several academic libraries in the state was proposed that the ESU library was able to offer this service. Advantages and disadvantages of the collaboration will be discussed, as well as lessons learned that can be applied to any collaborative project.     

Improving Library Services for Distance Learners: A Literature Review

Academic libraries offer many services to distance learning students. The sources of literature reviewed here offer information that shows relevant similarities and differences between library services offered to traditional students and distance learning students. Likewise, the associated findings from the literature offer insight that is applicable for a project to modify and improve library services for distance learners in higher education.     

Reference Services and the International Adult Learner

Summary

International adult learners are a growing patron constituency. They share a number of common characteristics, notably their unfamiliarity with many library services. In addition, barriers such as language and communication differences as well as functional issues present challenges to effective service. Libraries can better meet the needs of International Adult Learners by determining what their needs are. In so doing they will be able to provide better programming and improve library instruction. In addition, libraries can partner with other community agencies and institutions to improve service for International Adult Learners. Staff training should also be undertaken to improve the ability of library personnel to interact with this particular user group.     

Library Support for Distance Learners

Abstract

In 2001, Texas Tech University Library surveyed faculty who taught distance learning courses. This article reports the findings of the survey. Implicit in the article is the belief that a clear understanding of the needs and expectations of faculty serves as a foundation on which librarians can build a solid program of support for distance learners. This clear understanding may also serve as the basis for better strategies to educate faculty on how librarians can help improve distance learning courses. Unfortunately, what faculty think about library support for distance learning courses is not always clearly understood. To a significant extent, this limited understanding is due to the dearth of information in the professional literature on the subject. More surveys need to be completed and the results published so that distance learning librarians can better understand faculty and better inform them, optimizing support for distance learners.     

Working in the Asynchronous Environment

Abstract

Those called upon to instruct or moderate within the asynchronous environment must acquire the skills necessary to engage learners from across a distance. This paper will provide two case studies describing the experiences and practice of working in this environment. The first case study will describe the reference and instructional library support provided to the Master of Continuing Education program offered by the University of Calgary. The second case study will describe the services and resources offered by the Node Learning Technologies Network, particularly those aimed at librarians.     

The Information Explosion: Continuing Implications for Reference Services to Adult Learners in Academia

Summary

The reference environment is being transformed by constant changes in computer technologies and communications, as collections and information in general become increasingly accessible electronically. Academic library users now have access to seemingly unlimited information. The explosion of information choices has implications for reference services to all users, particularly adult learners —those students older than the typical undergraduate —who are becoming a large presence on university and college campuses. This paper will explore these implications, stress the need for information literacy, and challenge academic reference librarians to assert themselves in the information arena.     

Virtual Desk

Abstract

This paper will address the issues involved in establishing a statewide system of library support for distance learners and the ongoing challenges to be met. A primary consideration is how to establish continuity of service and provide an integrated experience for the user, despite contingent funding and distributed responsibility. Issues include selection of and access to electronic resources, improvements to Interlibrary Loan services, inter-library cooperative agreements, and providing and promoting reference services for students and faculty of multiple institutions.     

Challenges Faced by Reference Librarians in Familiarizing Adult Students with the Computerized Library of Today: The Cuesta College Experience

Summary

Adult students face several challenges in their encounters with the new computerized library of today. Having been out of school for several years many adult students are unfamiliar with the computerized revolution that has taken place within the library. Reference librarians on the other hand, face several challenges in helping adult students become familiarized with the new technologies. This article discusses some of the challenges both adult students and reference librarians face at Cuesta College, a mid-size community college in San Luis Obispo, California. Successful techniques for addressing some of these challenges are also exemplified.     

A Kaleidoscope of Learning Styles

Abstract

Our library intends to create a tutorial to assist students in library research. In preparation, we need to understand the diverse learning needs of students. Some students seem to thrive in the online environment while others feel at a loss. A review of learning styles literature reveals that many adult learners require personalized, interactive learning environments. The author reviewed library tutorials to identify models of library instruction that meet the needs of such students. This paper serves as background and literature review for an interactive workshop on learning styles and the Internet, which was presented at the conference.     

Spatial Metaphors and Distance Learning Library Services: Why “Where” Makes a Difference

ABSTRACT

A close analysis of spatial metaphors used in distance education, such as “distant” education and “extended” courses, shows how these metaphors affect the design and goals of distance education library services. While some metaphors emphasize the possibilities of growth and communication, other metaphors continue to emphasize the isolation of distance learners. Distance librarians can reduce students’ confusion and forge new concepts about distance library services with thoughtful choices of metaphors.