Information literacy
The library provides a varied and comprehensive
information literacy program catering to the differing needs of faculties
and learning preferences of students. Tours, classes, workshops and
training sessions are offered face-to-face, while the Virtual Librarian
and WebCT are used to provide a similar experience online.
In 2002 the emphasis was on embedding information
literacy into the curriculum, rather than as an adjunct to the academic
program. At a first year level, take-up is now quite high, with many units
including information literacy components. The content of these sessions
varies, but all are aimed at meeting the information needs of the students
at that particular stage of their course. Many of these sessions are
backed up with online tutorials via the Virtual Librarian and some
include online quizzes via WebCT.
Subject librarians have been working with the Faculty
of Medicine to introduce the principles of information literacy at key
points within the new five-year medical course. 2002 saw those plans come
to fruition with all new medical students completing two information
literacy components during the year.
For the first time, all new undergraduates at
Parkville (Pharmacy) were required to attend an information literacy
program within their tutorial times. Sessions introduced students to the
principles of good information seeking behaviour and provided hands-on
experience with key reference tools. The classes complemented sessions run
by the Language and Learning Services Unit that introduced other aspects
of information literacy such as intellectual property and citation styles.
'Virtual Librarian'
The period up until Easter continues to be the peak
time for information literacy sessions and librarians find it difficult to
fulfil all requests because of a shortage of rooms or personnel. The Virtual
Librarian has been particularly useful in ensuring that all needs can
be met. Of particular note is Biology 1011 and Psychology 1011. Instead of
face-to-face classes, the new biology tutorial was successfully used to
introduce 700 new students to core information in their discipline. A
self-assessed quiz was then completed in class time, supervised by the
tutors.
In psychology the needs were slightly different, with
over 1100 students studying Psychology 1011 throughout the world.
Adequately supporting these students, particularly with their first
assessment piece, has been problematic. An online tutorial focusing
specifically on the skills needed for that assignment task was created,
ensuring that all students, irrespective of their location, had access to
expert advice.
While the emphasis is to incorporate information
literacy into the curriculum, the library continues to initiate additional
programs where a particular need is perceived. In 2002 EndNote classes
were very popular, and most sites found that classes filled as soon as
they were advertised. The Virtual Librarian tutorial was upgraded
to cover Version 6.
Subject librarians in faculties project
From April to July 2002, subject librarians for the
Arts, Business and Economics, Education and Medicine faculties spent time
on a regular basis in their faculties as part of a pilot project which
enabled academic staff and postgraduate students to easily access expert
advice on library resources and services.
The aim of the initiative was to develop a proactive liaison role,
including improving communication between the library and a core group of
its primary clientele. At the
conclusion of the project, academics and subject librarians were surveyed,
resulting in positive feedback from both groups of participants.
The project will be evaluated in 2003.
Collaborative initiatives
Subject librarians
also contributed to the Faculty of Arts 'Tricks of the Trade' series and the Monash Research Graduate
School's exPERT sessions. The latter was so popular that in 2003 a
separate stream of exPERT will be introduced to focus on information
literacy.
Library staff take an
active part in various university wide committees, including the
Transition Committee, IT Training Forum, campus orientation committees,
and various faculty committees. The library also works closely with
university wide groups such as Monash Postgraduate Association, Host
Scheme, the Centre for Learning and Teaching Support and Monash
International to ensure that all students experience information literacy
targeted to their particular needs and circumstances.
The focus of the library's information literacy
program is towards its primary clientele, that is, the academic staff and
students of Monash University. However the library also runs a strong
program for outside and affiliated groups. Throughout the year information
literacy sessions were provided for Monash College students, Monash
English Language students, high school students in enhancement programs
and students undertaking short programs, such as Indonesian government
officials studying with the Castan Centre for Human Rights. Library exhibitions and talks
Exhibitions from the Rare Books collection were held
throughout the year, including:
- Rare Books recent acquisitions
-
Aspects of Korean Music and
Culture
- English Literature to 1800
-
Magazines
Each exhibition was complemented
by an online 'virtual exhibition' and catalogues in hard copy and
online at lib.monash.edu.au/exhibitions
A number of talks were presented by guests in
conjunction with exhibitions throughout the year, including:
- Giles Mandelbrote, British
Library Curator of Early Printed Books
- Mick Stone, of Camberwell Books
- Eve
Duncan, a modern Australian composer
- Professor Clive Probyn of the
Monash English Department
- Dr. Maryanne Dever, Head of the
Centre for Women's Studies
The "Friends of the Monash University Library"
continued their ongoing support and assistance in 2002 to the benefit of
the library and Monash students and staff.
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