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Annual Report 1999
 

3 Support for Flexible Learning

3.1 Working Party to Review Flexible Library Services

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.

3.2 Information Literacy Programs

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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