Leo Appleton, Valerie Stevenson and Debbi Boden
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the reasons and drivers for academic libraries affecting university strategy with regards to shaping and developing learning spaces in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the reasons and drivers for academic libraries affecting university strategy with regards to shaping and developing learning spaces in response to changing pedagogic behaviours.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of available literature within the context of academic libraries and their position to influence and lead institutional strategic change. This theory and practice is addressed and evidenced by four case studies of university libraries in the UK.
Findings
Many UK academic libraries find themselves able to lead on and influence their institution's strategic direction with regards to teaching, learning and research. This is particularly the case in the design and development of learning spaces within the university. Academic libraries are in a unique position within a university with a view to observing student behaviours, being responsive to ever changing demands from academics and students, spotting trends and benchmarking against comparative institutions. These practices make it possible for academic libraries to advise, guide and lead on teaching and learning strategy and lead on learning spaces developments within their institutions.
Practical implications
Academic libraries can use existing quality assurance, responsiveness and benchmarking frameworks to influence university strategy and decision making.
Originality/value
This paper focuses on the concept of academic libraries influencing change, rather than responding to change, within their university. The case studies provide examples of where this has been the case, and suggest ways and frameworks which can be adopted by other academic libraries.
Details
Keywords
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the LILAC Conference held in Manchester, UK, in March 2013.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the LILAC Conference held in Manchester, UK, in March 2013.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides an overview of the themes, content, keynote speakers and selected parallel sessions of the LILAC conference.
Findings
The conference held a series of parallel sessions covering six key themes: information literacy and employability; information literacy and the digital future; transliteracy; future-proofing the information literacy practitioner; collaboration and partnerships; active learning and creative pedagogical approaches
Originality/value
The conference provided an insight into emerging trends for information literacy.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this case study describes the process of designing and building SMIRK, a mobile information literacy and communication skills package. It describes the original…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this case study describes the process of designing and building SMIRK, a mobile information literacy and communication skills package. It describes the original package, SMILE, and the problems in its use and development. SMILE is not suitable for use on all mobile devices, so it had to be adapted and rewritten to meet our users’ needs. The selection of a software package and the practical issues involved with building the new product is outlined. Plans for future development and use in the university environment are described.
Design/methodology/approach
The problems with the original package are described, and the requirements for a new version are listed. The software selection process and factors affecting it are outlined. Practical issues in the build are described and solutions presented.
Findings
This paper presents the use of software designed for the creation of small mobile sites in a new “nested” way to provide a larger, easy to use mobile site.
Research limitations/implications
The use of the existing and new sites is examined by the use of Google analytics, and feedback is collected using Google forms. This can be used to inform further development of the sites. SMIRK will be made available as an open educational resource (OER), and its reuse will be monitored using Jorum analytics. This should help inform the wider OER community in the field of information literacy.
Practical implications
SMIRK will be embedded in virtual learning environment modules to support face-to-face training in information literacy and communication skills. This will be presented as a set of deep links directly to small information units which can be used by students on their smartphones or tablets.
Social implications
SMIRK is available on the open web, so anyone can use it. It has been publicised at the Scottish information literacy group which contains members from all library sectors, so we hope that it will be used in further education (FE) and possibly secondary schools to provide a set of transferable skills.
Originality/value
This case study describes a novel way of using Dreamweaver’s JQuery mobile function to create a new online product to support information literacy and communication skills training in the academic environment.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the LILAC Conference held in Cardiff, UK, in March 2009.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the LILAC Conference held in Cardiff, UK, in March 2009.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides an outline of the issues, content, keynote speakers and delegates of the LILAC Conference.
Findings
This conference held a series of themed parallel sessions and covered the themes of inquiry based learning, emerging technologies, information literacy for life and supporting research. There was evidence of strong demand for pre‐conference events.
Originality/value
A conference report of value to library and information professionals regarding various information literacy themes.