[Publib] Information Literacy

Tue May 2 11:53:56 EDT 2006

I am all in favor of bibliographic instruction.  
I am particularly in favor of bibliographic instruction when I have 150
fifth graders in here doing reports and the teacher hasn't even taken the
time to check the spelling of the person's name on her printed assignment
sheet much less given any assistance or training to the students in how to
do research other than sitting at a computer and copying something from the
Internet.
I am particularly in favor of bibliographic instruction when the college
student comes in and tells me she has to do a report and, "like, what's a
bibliography anyway," because her professor told her to just ask the
librarian and the college library is closed for spring break.
I do classes in bibliographic instruction once a year, mainly for the home
school group, but open to any interested -- aimed at parent and child as a
partner.
I do, like all the other folks who have written in, one-on-one, as folks ask
because people don't walk in here for a class, they walk in here looking for
what they want, now. I can talk them through my process, if they are
interested, but usually they just want me to find the book, thank you, and
get on with it.
Specialized classes, genealogy for instance, are given when there is an
available staff person and the opportunity.
When you are short-staffed and budget-strapped -- as public libraries are
today -- it is difficult to spend extra time and resources. But, we do what
we can. 

Dusty Gres, Director 
Ohoopee Regional Library System
Hdq: Vidalia-Toombs County Library
610 Jackson Street
Vidalia, GA 30474
PH: (912) 537-9283
FAX: (912) 537-3735
EMAIL: gresd at ohoopeelibrary.org
WEB: http://www.ohoopeelibrary.org

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Brenda Crispin
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 11:30 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org; overduebks at yahoo.com
Subject: Re: [Publib] Information Literacy

I don't know what the standard or norm is but only know what we do here.  We
have very little bibliographic instruction and I see the following issues
behind our let-the-tail-wag-the-dog approach.  Time and available staff are
very limited.  Library literacy is no longer taught in the public schools
here in California so the younger generation of library users need the most
basic help.  The information explosion has overwhelmed many people and
patrons want and expect instant gratification...."just put the information
in my hands, please."

We do have computer classes that teach the most basic & some intermediate,
computer skills but when a person comes to the library needing to make a
resume or write a report they need help right then, not the next time the
class is being offered in the afternoon while they are at work.  We have
formed the habit of providing whatever level of help a patron needs at the
time.  Unless it becomes too staff & time intensive, a line has formed at
the reference desk, or we simply are unable to go the extra mile.  Then we
begin to suggest other avenues.

Our branch librarian periodically forms what he calls a Junior Information
Specialist program.  He recruits students, mostly at the junior high level,
to learn how to do basic research and use the library.  The program has been
quite successfull and reaches a few young people each time he offers the
program.  But such a program takes time and effort and takes the librarian
away from the reference desk so it comes with a price tag.

I don't think librarians are against bibliographic instruction.  I think
it's that they don't have the necessary time, and many patrons simply are
not interested or feel too overwhelmed, or strapped for time themselves.  I
believe that as information continues to explode librarians, not libraries,
are seen more and more as the vehicle by which information may be
obtained.....if it can't be found easily on the Internet!

I hope some of this makes sense.  And I'm anxious to read other member's
ideas on the topic.

Brenda Crispin
Local History Librarian
Oxnard Public Library
251 South A Street
Oxnard, CA 93030
805-385-7531
Brenda.Crispin at ci.oxnard.ca.us
>>> jess macleod <overduebks at yahoo.com> 05/02/06 4:08 AM >>>
I believe that information literacy standards are expected in the academic
libraries, but I have witnessed little action in the public libraries. Basic
retrieval seems to be customary, with no complaints from both patron and
librarian. My question...Should the public library step it up in this age of
information explosion?
  Perhaps public libraries do practice bibliographic instruction and follow
information literacy standards, but I have not seen it. Does anyone offer
open session classes in basic library research skills? Are public librarians
against bibliographic instruction? Please pardon my naivete, and cure my
curiosity.Thanks.

  Jessica MacLeod
  Floral Park Public Library

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