3 Support for Flexible Learning
Chaired by the Associate University Librarian, the Working Party rose to the
challenge of reviewing current service under difficult circumstances. The report
was delivered on schedule, in November 1999. Implementation of its
recommendations will bring about an increased level of service for the Library's
clientele:
- An intercampus loan of monographs from all the libraries for all Monash
staff and students, both oncampus and offcampus
- An enhanced electronic email inquiry service for remote clients
- A seamless lending service with the streamlining of the lending, document
delivery and flexible library service processes.
In the new environment of flexible learning, the Library has an important role
to play in the delivery of relevant information literacy programs. The emphasis
on student directed learning and the need for students to acquire "lifelong
learning skills" reinforce the need for the Library to work in partnership
with academic staff to develop these skills. Some of the recognised skills
include the development of critical thinking and problem solving through well
developed information literacy programs. Information literacy means more than
merely teaching students how to search and retrieve information and includes
developing the ability to critically evaluate information, to analyse, write,
present and communicate information, and to synthesise information in order to
create new knowledge, insight and foresight.
Apart from formal programs conducted in three faculties: Law, Engineering and
Science, information services staff at all sites continued to provide a large
number of face-to-face classes ranging from basic instruction in the use of the
Library catalogue to in-depth research methodology for specific disciplines.
| LIBRARY |
SESSIONS |
PARTICIPANTS |
STAFF CONTACT HOURS |
| Matheson |
162 |
2,526 |
205.25 |
| Biomedical |
127 |
1,791 |
161.70 |
| Alfred |
30 |
94 |
15.50 |
| Hargrave |
158 |
2,769 |
155.15 |
| Law |
89 |
1,162 |
106.80 |
| Caulfield |
244 |
4,267 |
197.95 |
| Peninsula |
87 |
1,319 |
76.25 |
| Gippsland |
119 |
1,751 |
138.90 |
| Berwick |
22 |
249 |
30.00 |
| TOTAL |
1,038 |
15,928 |
1,087.50 |
In addition to the work of subject librarians with individual departments
and faculties, two new initiatives were undertaken:
- The Transition Group - Library staff are involved on various university
committees to help students make the move to the tertiary environment
- The publication of the IT Access Guide (sponsored by Information
Technology Services) into which the Library had significant input to both
the printed guide and accompanying CD-ROM.
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