scholarly journals Investigation into library staff attitudes, knowledge and skills relating to information literacy in NZ public libraries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Katrina Helen Peart-Baillie
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
The Public ◽  
Literacy Initiatives ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
High Level

<p>The National Library of New Zealand defines information literacy as "locating, evaluating, managing and using information effectively from a range of sources for problem solving, decision making and research". The attitudes and the attributes of staff involved in all aspects of information literacy will have implications for both formal information literacy initiatives and one-on-one instruction undertaken in public libraries. This study investigated the attitudes, knowledge and skills that reference staff in New Zealand public libraries hold in relation to information literacy. The study employed a mixed methods approach using a self-completion questionnaire and in-depth interviews. This study shows that overall library staff have a high level of knowledge and awareness of what information literacy is. The importance of people being information literate is recognised and the public library's role in this acknowledged. Skill levels varied across the skill areas related to information literacy and between library staff. Library assistants have lower levels of skills than the overall sample whilst holders of library qualifications reported higher skill levels. The results have implications for professional development of staff in the area of information literacy.</p>

scholarly journals Investigation into library staff attitudes, knowledge and skills relating to information literacy in NZ public libraries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Katrina Helen Peart-Baillie
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
The Public ◽  
Literacy Initiatives ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
High Level

<p>The National Library of New Zealand defines information literacy as "locating, evaluating, managing and using information effectively from a range of sources for problem solving, decision making and research". The attitudes and the attributes of staff involved in all aspects of information literacy will have implications for both formal information literacy initiatives and one-on-one instruction undertaken in public libraries. This study investigated the attitudes, knowledge and skills that reference staff in New Zealand public libraries hold in relation to information literacy. The study employed a mixed methods approach using a self-completion questionnaire and in-depth interviews. This study shows that overall library staff have a high level of knowledge and awareness of what information literacy is. The importance of people being information literate is recognised and the public library's role in this acknowledged. Skill levels varied across the skill areas related to information literacy and between library staff. Library assistants have lower levels of skills than the overall sample whilst holders of library qualifications reported higher skill levels. The results have implications for professional development of staff in the area of information literacy.</p>

PHILOSOPHY OF THE UNITY OF KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES, AND VALUES OF THE NEW UKRAINIAN SCHOOL

2021 ◽  
pp. 36-46
Author(s):  
Oksana Yakymchuk
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
Essential Characteristic ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Pedagogical Action ◽  
Professional Self ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Competencies ◽  
High Level ◽  
Unity Of Knowledge ◽  
Educational Potential

The formation of a powerful, active, and dynamic axiological foundation of personality is one of the essential tasks of the competency approach because even a high level of knowledge and skills acquired in the process of learning and education cannot ensure the integrity and progressively oriented unity of personal and professional competencies for future successful life, socio-cultural and professional self-realization. Given this, within the competence paradigm of education, qualitatively new content is the unity of learning and education. If before a significant amount of theoretical knowledge, detached from real life, had a shallow educational potential, now any pedagogical action, even focused on the cognitive assimilation of basic scientific knowledge, will have a worldview. An essential characteristic of the competency approach in education is that it can ensure each student’s unique structure the unity of knowledge, competencies, and values.

scholarly journals Unlocking the Potential of School Libraries: What Actions are New Zealand Primary School Principals Taking to Integrate the School Library in Information Literacy Initiatives? Final Report

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Elisabeth Mei-Xing Ngan
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Principals ◽  
School Library ◽  
External Support ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Primary School Principals ◽  
Literacy Initiatives

<p>Information literacy is implicit in the national education curriculum’s key competencies for students, yet primary schools lack an explicit path to develop students’ information skills. The literature shows that school library programs can foster information literacy and improve student achievement, with the principal’s support identified as a significant factor. This study investigates the actions of New Zealand primary school principals to integrate the school library in information literacy initiatives. An online survey collected quantitative and qualitative data from a random sample of primary school principals, stratified by decile rating to reflect the school population in microcosm. Sixty-nine responses were collected and the low response rate meant it was not possible to generalise the results of the survey. Key findings of the research were that a majority of principals supported information literacy initiatives through advocacy; professional development; use of external support; student assessment; separate library budgets; and reasonable library opening hours. A minority maintained a separate information literacy policy; adequately resourced the library with trained staff; or promoted collaborative planning between teaching and library staff through flexible scheduling of class library time. Actions were not affected by decile rating but differences by school size and locale were identified, particularly for small and rural schools. Principals’ perceptions of information literacy did not appear to affect their actions. Suggestions for further research are made to expand upon the findings.</p>

Advocacy of the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordanian academic libraries

IFLA Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 034003522110383
Author(s):  
Faten Hamad ◽  
Maha Al-Fadel
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
The Public ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Study Support

In view of the increased importance of the Sustainable Development Goals and the limited number of public libraries in Jordan, it is important to investigate the role and practices of academic libraries in promoting knowledge and skills to support the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan. It is also important to explore the challenges that might hinder the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals. The results of this study support the fact that academic libraries can significantly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals ( M = 3.53) by providing access to relevant and up-to-date information ( M = 4.16) and giving training on information literacy ( M = 4.03). Access to information contributes to the quality of life of society ( M = 4.41). This article provides insights for academic librarians and decision-makers into disseminating measures for promoting knowledge and skills related to the Sustainable Development Goals among students and the public community in Jordan. The study recommends some relevant strategies, such as the collaboration of academic libraries with governmental and health institutions to support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan.

Public libraries and public primary school literacy: a Kenyan case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 689-701
Author(s):  
Peter Mose
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
School Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Teachers And Parents

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how public libraries have been instrumental in early child school literacy teaching and learning. Most African public schools do not usually afford enough core textbooks and supplementary readers.Design/methodology/approachThis was a qualitative case study in Western Kenya amongst public library staff members, public primary school teachers and parents of library children clients. The following questions were addressed: What is the book situation in public primary schools in the study site? What school-type literacy-related services are offered by the sampled public library? and What are library staff members’, teachers’ and parents’ feelings about the public library services offered? Observations, interviews and document studies were used to collect data. Data were analysed thematically.FindingsPublic schools do not have enough core textbooks and the situation is worse for supplementary readers; the public library branch studied offers critical school-type literacies to school children both at the library building as well as at public schools registered with it; and library staff members, teachers, and parents express positive feelings about the services offered.Research limitations/implicationsThis was a case study whose findings might not apply to the larger situation and the study did not confirm actual literacy benefits of the library services amongst school children by, for instance, conducting literacy tests. The findings are, however, an index to the possible situation in the macro context.Practical implicationsThe relevant stakeholders should find ways of co-opting public libraries as associates of public schools in literacy teaching. This relationship is not straight forward in Kenya.Originality/valueThe findings reported are from original research.

scholarly journals School Library Leading the Way

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Probert
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Cluster Model ◽  
School Library ◽  
Lead Teachers ◽  
Processing Information ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
The Way

In 2007 the principals of three schools in Auckland, New Zealand, formed a cluster with the aim of improving standards of information literacy in their schools over three years. Research, reported in a paper at the 2008 IASL conference, demonstrated that few teachers in the cluster were explicitly teaching their students the skills they needed when undertaking research or inquiry. In early 2008, a group of Lead Teachers, led by the teacher librarian in the largest school, and including trained library staff, designed a cluster model for teachers to use with their students when processing information. They also designed cluster-wide professional development which each school implemented in different ways. This paper reports on the findings of an evaluation carried out to measure the effectiveness of the first round of professional development.

scholarly journals FORMATION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY MODEL IN THE CONDITIONS OF UNITED TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF THE SOUTH OF UKRAINE

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-20
Author(s):  
Irina Burmis
Keyword(s):  
Information Technologies ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
The South ◽  
The Public ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Library Network ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Purpose of the article. The analysis of the specificities of formation of the public library model in the conditions of creation of the united territorial communities (UTC) of the South of Ukraine. The methodology of the research is based on the complex of general methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization, and modeling) and approaches (system, socio-communicative, modernization). The scientific novelty of the work is to conducta comprehensive study of the possibility of choosing libraries of Odesa, Kherson, and Mykolayiv a certain profile and their own path of development in the formation of UTC as centers of legal and regional information in the form of centers of public initiatives, socio-communication platforms, multimedia mobile libraries or multicultural centers. Conclusions. Suggestions that are based on the comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed models of reforming the library network are made regarding the development of the optimal model of functioning of public libraries in the South of Ukraine, which provides for the following important elements. Firstly, automation, that is based on the development and implementation of the newest information technologies, which, in turn, activates the material and technical base modernization, organization structure, and the library staff training; providing new services or products. Secondly, renovating the activity and staff management methods. Thirdly, providing stable financing to UTC possibilities, applying marketing and advertising technologies of library activity popularization according to the UTC functioning. Next, saving the valuable stuff resource and technologies in library staff’ work. Then, organizing the UTC public library work as the informative intelligent center, cultural and leisure space, that is discovered on the Chornomorska library example. Finally, the introduction of non-stationary library services on the basis of the Law of Ukraine«On territorial communities’ cooperation». Key words: public libraries, the South of Ukraine, united territorial communities (UTC), modernization,model, profiling.

scholarly journals What Are the Opinions of New Zealand Public Library Staff on Ebooks?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Megan Adelle Percy
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Median Response ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Past ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
Level Of Agreement

<p>RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to discover the opinions of New Zealand public library staff on ebooks. While there are studies on opinions on ebooks, there is less emphasis on public library staff. Ebooks are becoming more and more popular and how libraries implement them will impact on the future of libraries. The aim of this study was to discover what library staff liked and disliked about ebooks and how they feel about ebooks in public libraries. METHODOLOGY: Invitations to participate in a survey about ebooks were posted on two email discussion lists, PUBSIG, for New Zealand public library staff, and NZ-Libs, for New Zealand library staff. Additionally, an invitation was emailed to all staff members of Wellington City Libraries. Data were collected using an online survey consisting mainly of Likert-type statements that respondents indicate their level of agreement to. These statements were adapted from previous studies done on ebooks. Respondents were not required to answer every question. RESULTS: There were 202 responses. 63% (127) of New Zealand public library staff surveyed have read at least one ebook in the past year. 93% (188) Agree or Strongly Agree with the statement that it is important for public libraries to offer ebooks. 57% (105) Agree or Strongly Agree with the statement “I enjoy helping patrons with technical questions about ebooks or ereaders”. Respondents think that the portability of ebooks and the ability to customise ebooks is useful. Most library staff surveyed think the increasing popularity of ebooks is good for libraries. The median response to “My library has a great stock of ebooks” was Neither Agree nor Disagree, with the majority of respondents agreeing that ebook licensing terms restricts the stock of ebooks available at their library. IMPLICATIONS: Library staff think that offering ebooks is important for libraries. However, libraries implementing ebooks need to ensure staff are ready to help patrons with ebooks. Ebook licensing terms are perceived as restricting libraries’ ebook stock, for libraries to be successful at offering ebooks the licensing situation may need to change.</p>

scholarly journals Lydbogsbrugere og folkebiblioteket

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (83) ◽  
pp. 119-141
Author(s):  
Birgitta Wallin ◽  
Katarina Michnik ◽  
Catarina Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
The Public ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
Digital Books ◽  
High Level

The use of audiobooks has risen significantly during the last few years in Sweden, a trend reflected in increasing demands for public libraries to provide their users with these books. Digital books are by no means a new phenomenon in public libraries, but the marked interest in borrowing audiobooks and new ways of distributing have led to changes in public libraries’ digital services and a redistribution of media budgets. This article describes who the audiobook users are and which other media they use. Building on this information, the article asks what challenges the demographic data of audiobook users – such as gender, age, and level of education – may pose for public libraries. Based on a quantitative analysis of survey data from Sweden, it is concluded that audiobook use is more common among young, well-educated people with a high level of digital literacy. Subscription services appear to be more popular among audiobook users, as their sale numbers are higher than lending numbers at public libraries. Nevertheless, the conclusions are that audiobooks have a place in public libraries, as they increase the service to communities and have the potential to reach new users. However, it is unclear if public libraries are reaching new groups by offering audiobooks; although the use of digital public library services is increasing, these services are mainly used by people who are already library visitors, and the public library seems to be primarily associated with the printed book.

Art librarianship in Denmark

1997 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Lollesgaard
Keyword(s):  
Professional Training ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
National Archive ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
The Public ◽  
Library System ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Art Departments

Art libraries in Denmark mostly fall into one of two categories: art departments’ in public libraries, and research libraries attached to colleges, universities, and museums. Librarians in research libraries are in many cases scholars in their own right, while library staff at the Kunstakademiets Bibliotek are responsible for the Bibliografi over dansk kunst (sadly not published since 1981) and for Danish contributions to the BHA. The Royal Library and some art libraries hold collections of visual resources and of archival materials; in addition, there is an autonomous national archive of Danish artists, Weilbachs arkiv. An art librarians’ section of Bibliotekarforbundet (the Union of Danish Librarians), Kunstfaggruppen, was initiated by art librarians in public libraries, but is open to other art librarians too; Danish art librarians also work together within ARLIS/Norden. Professional training in Denmark is largely confined to general librarianship; art librarians in public libraries tend to be trained librarians with a personal enthusiasm for art, whereas librarians in research libraries are in some cases graduates but are not necessarily trained librarians. While the public library system took advantage of standardization, automation, and networking, the research libraries could not so readily embrace change, but two recent initiatives are beginning to bring libraries of all kinds together — DanBib, the Danish online union catalogue, formed in 1995 by merging the two separate databases for public and research libraries which both originated in the 1980s, and Kulturnet Danmark, a government-sponsored scheme involving the Internet.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document