"Opinion Piece" was introduced in 2004, where an industry specialist would be invited to share their view on that month's Community theme. In this Opinion Piece, Marie Murphy asserts: Need information skills? The library's the place to go!
When we need information about a particular topic – whether for recreational purposes or because we really want to study the topic in some depth – we know that a visit to our local library and some help from a librarian will generally satisfy that need. Similarly, if we are undertaking a formal course of study through a TAFE or university, for example, we naturally assume that appropriate library resources and services will be available to support us through the course and, at the same time, help us to become independent learners. Libraries and librarians, you may say, have a long tradition in helping people to become independent learners.
And, as the introduction of new and changing technologies demands that individuals continue to develop their skills and knowledge, the role of libraries in enabling access to information and learning resources is becoming even more significant. At a time when household access to the internet is increasing rapidly, anecdotal evidence suggests that people are nevertheless using libraries in greater numbers than previously so they can better learn how to use and make sense of online resources. Access to online information does not depend solely on internet connectivity. Rather, it would seem that library clients have particular expectations that libraries and library professionals can assist them to locate more efficiently the information and learning resources they need.
Indeed, many libraries anticipated this demand and already have in place well established learning programs which enable library clients not only to access the multiplicity of information resources available – whether in print or electronic format or in other media - but which also teach them to locate, analyse, evaluate, and effectively use information to enhance their learning. Programs such as these are aimed at developing the information literacy skills of members of the community in general.
However librarians and library professionals recognise that some of their clients have special needs and develop specific programs targeted to such groups. Seniors are a particular group where lack of familiarity may lead to a reluctance to use new technologies or to seek information in media other than the traditional print format. In different areas throughout the country, libraries are meeting this challenge by developing programs to encourage seniors to go online. At a special time during the week set aside for seniors to access the internet and guided by a library professional, seniors are introduced to services available over the internet such as shopping, banking and so on. Gradually as their confidence builds, the seniors are guided to search more widely across the internet in their own areas of interest and, as their information literacy skills develop, to analyse and evaluate the results of such searches.
Seniors are but one of the groups with special needs for whom libraries are developing particular programs. Activities addressing adult literacy needs, the needs of members of our indigenous community; homework survival seminars for parents, English classes for those from a Non-English Speaking Background – these are just some of the programs that libraries have in place to assist groups with particular needs to become familiar with the wide variety of information resources available as they build information skills. Whether targeted to clients in general or to clients with special needs, programs offered by libraries aim to build client confidence in their ability to locate and effectively use information in whatever format it may be available, thus enhancing ongoing learning.
Libraries support learning. This, they demonstrate through the programs put in place to help people access information using new technologies. Increasingly, as flexible delivery options are making learning opportunities more readily available to individuals, the library’s role as a supporter of learning can only be enhanced. Already, particularly in rural and remote areas, libraries are often the focal point for learning activities in the community. The library is, in many instances, the only appropriate location in the district available for offering learning activities. Further, where educational activities are offered in flexible delivery mode, for people without ready access to the internet and other electronic information resources, it is very likely that their only access to such activities will be through their local library. In such circumstances the library is not only supporting but enabling the individual’s involvement in a learning program.
As flexible delivery options make learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom increasingly available, it can be expected that more individuals will use their local library to ensure they obtain the relevant support they need to successfully complete their studies. As this is the case, perhaps there is an opportunity for education providers and library professionals, who already work together to promote successful learning, to jointly investigate and develop products which will support learners and learning activities even more effectively.
Marie Murphy is the Manager, Education, Policy and Research at the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). ALIA is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector. As the peak body for the library and information profession in Australia, ALIA seeks to empower the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services to the nation, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support. Marie has worked as a teacher-librarian and librarian. Marie’s major responsibilities are for ALIA’s education program which incorporates the Association’s course recognition program and continuing professional development initiatives.
