A distance learning course in research skills for public librarians – an evaluation

Abstract

Considers a number of issues related to the development, at the University of Central England in Birmingham, of a distance learning course in research skills for public librarians. The course was initially developed as part of the Library and Information Commission funded project, Developing Research in Public Libraries. Discusses the need for a stronger culture of research in public libraries and the immediate and long‐term benefits, for public librarians, of a distance learning course in research skills. The evaluation of a pilot distance‐learning course indicated that librarians enrolled on the course perceived it as offering much needed training in a range of research skills. The main concerns relate to the lack of support from public library managers and the limited opportunities for librarians to share their knowledge with their colleagues. Reinforces the arguments for a distance learning course in research training that offers librarians the opportunity to develop and consolidate their research skills in their own time and at their own pace. However, the authors recognise that such a course can only accomplish its aims if public library authorities are prepared to support and encourage staff enrolled on the course.

Student Persistence in a LIS Distance Education Program

“…Despite the Administration Handbook's advice that students should initiate contact with their personal tutors, 19 it appeared that the students were in fact waiting for the first approach to come from faculty. This finding echoes earlier studies, 20 which have found students studying by distance often unwilling to contact institution staff until an issue had become a major problem.…”

“…Issues of isolation from faculty could be addressed by increasing communication from the personal tutors, particularly at the beginning of the program. As Mynott, Thebridge, and Shoolbred found, 29 it does not appear to be enough just to give students the name and contact details of their tutor, as there is no guarantee that they will follow this up. Yet, when tutors are readily available, as in Auckland, students highly value their presence.…”

Librarians and the claiming of new roles: how can we try to make a difference?

“…The importance of distance education, an independent method of study, to the continuing education of LIS professionals has already been argued (e.g. Fourie, 2001a;Ellison, 2000;Gupta, 2001;Mynott et al, 2000;Robinson and Bawden, 2002;Smith et al, 2001).…”