User Education

Preamble

  1. In common with most other university libraries, the provision of library instruction to students has been subject to much discussion and review in the light of:
    • changes in teaching & learning
    • changes in the nature of the student body
    • larger numbers of students requiring assistance
    • a recognition that the most appropriate form of user education is one that takes place in the context of the student learning experience rather than en bloc at a particular time of the year


  2. In late 1999, Ian Mayfield led a small strategy team which examined the educational role of the library in the broadest sense.

  3. At the same time, the Library was undertaking a re-structuring of services to students and staff along subject floor team lines, where the emphasis was placed on ensuring that more Library staff were available to provide enquiry and reference services.

  4. The outcome of these two initiatives can be summarised as moving away from:
    • formal in-class lectures
    • the large group tours of the library which have been a standard feature of user education in the past


      • and towards:

    • the use of independent study materials and guides in print and electronic form
    • subject librarians offering informal tutorials and workshops by arrangement
    • guaranteed access to subject librarians via a referral and appointments system


  5. It is important that user education and library familiarisation are seen as a learning contract and the attached charter will be published

 

Information Services Charter

You can expect the Library to:

  • Provide all students with an introduction to the Library and its services. This may take the form of a tour, a short presentation in the Library or in the department, a paper-based self guided tour, an audio-visual programme, or a web-based introduction.
  • Provide all students with guidance in the use of specialist information sources to support project and assignment work
  • Provide reference and enquiry points, staffed at advertised times, where general enquiries can be made and answered immediately
  • Provide a referral and appointment service for more detailed enquiries
  • Provide publications in print and electronic format designed to guide and advise on services and specific products

We expect you to:

  • Attend any formal tutorials organised for you
  • Familiarise yourself with the contents of library guides and instructions
  • Clarify with your lecturer if you do not understand the task you have been set
  • Consider your information needs in relation to the task you have been set
  • Make your needs for further instruction known to library staff