Information Rich or Poor?

Gilian DawsonInformation Consultant CASS

DISS

The Learner

• School experience vastly different• Don’t have specialised databases• Web obsessed • What’s a library

The Learner

• Information overload• Reaction to instruction is

The Teacher

• Approach 1• Course Web site

with some URLs • Rely on core texts• Extensive reading

lists• Book/print based

• Approach 2• Provide some

reading advice • Instruction from

day 1• Insist on e-

resources & print• Insist on journals

& books

Library Services

• PCs & wireless laptops• Opening hours with staff• Generous lending provision• Loan periods reflect popularity of

texts

Library Resources

• Electronic and print• 1 million books (13000 e-books)• 10,000 journals (7000 e-journals)• 400 databases• 24/7 on/off campus

Library Help

• Programme of instruction at subject/course level

• Staff in subject areas• Help Desk service• Forest of factsheets

Library Developments

• Self-service • State of the art library system• Increased access to full-text

– Via new library system – Via catalogue

Suggestions

• Liaise on resources• Instruction for each subject

– help them through the minefield– lecture, demonstrations, workshops – flexibility in timing and methodology– Develop awareness of e-resources for

24/7

• Simplify access to information

Get in touch

• Gilian Dawson– g.d.dawson@abdn.ac.uk 2587– Business, L & L, DHP

• Claire Molloy– c.a.l.molloy@abdn.ac.uk 4813– Education, SS

• Susan McCourt– s.mccourt@abdn.ac.uk 3287– Law