DeLiberations a Web-site for Librarians and Academics (fwd)

[Roy Tennant]

Forwarded by request.
Roy

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DeLiberations		-	Flexible Learning [Section]
on Teaching and Learning
A Web-site for librarians and academics

	**  http://www.lgu.ac.uk/deliberations/  **

The Flexible learning section of DeLiberations examines the issues 
involved in preparing and implementing flexible learning materials to 
encourage independent student learning. To that end it is vital that 
librarians, who are on the front line of educational provision, are 
involved in the preparation of these materials.

In the Forum to discuss Flexible Learning Issues, the future role of 
librarians in HE is discussed in light of the growth of new technology:-

"Access to a comprehensive, systematic and co-ordinated network of support 
is, therefore, essential for students to learn independently. This is an 
issue for all parts of the university involved in supporting the learning 
of students including academics, library staff, study advisers and 
information technology support staff..."  Rigmor George

"Marcum (1995) raises concerns about the focus of librarians being on the 
technical aspects of information retrieval. She makes the point that the 
technical aspects are a means to an end, and that librarians in academic 
libraries must conceptualise themselves within the educational framework 
rather than as information processors.."  Rigmor George

Or in response to these claims:-
"librarians teaching abilities are taken for granted by faculty staff; 
there has always been a resistance to acknowledging library staff as a 
legitimate faculty. Academic librarians tend to be multi-skilled and 
equip themselves with a teaching qualification in addition to their 
IT/library/undergraduate qualifications....academics will have to become 
more like librarians, because they will have to provide guidance to the 
best source of information instead of being that source..."  Dale Wache

To read the FULL comments visit DeLiberations at:-
		http://www.lgu.ac.uk/deliberations/

It is only by bringing together librarians and academics in a frank 
exchange of views and experiences that higher education can hope to 
maximise the productive use of new technology. We can provide this forum 
and, with your participation, try to bring about institutional change.

We would be interested in hearing how you see your role within the 
changing environment that new technology provides?  How do you use 
CD-ROMs, WWW, PCs, etc. to improve student learning? Is it incorporated 
within the course structure? Do you work with academics in course design 
and delivery? Are the new means of information dissemination and 
retrieval being used productively?

These contributions would only be 1-4 paragraphs expounding your 
experiences, ideas and opinions to create a productive dialogue between the 
communities involved in higher education.

We also have sections on Resource Based Learning, IT in Teaching, Courses 
and Resources and Learning Resources.