Dear Colleagues,
It occurs to me that the focus on computer-mediated training i.e. web
tutorials for information skills is a displacement activity. Despite the
advantages here are some of the disadvantages: 1) they deflect students
from direct interaction with Library staff; 2) they give an illusion of
service provision but in fact are rarely used; 3) they consume resources
and time which might better be used in non-computer mediated environments -
teaching; 4) they are for the most part iterative and difficult to
contextualise in any meaningful way to a specific subject, course or group
of students 5) they play to our strengths - we can create them, list them
and organise them - but exaggerate our weaknesses, a reluctance to force
the issue of Librarians as teachers of information skills in the curriculum
however that might be formulated. Thoughts ...
Matt
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