[Publib] Information Literacy

[Julie Bauer]

I see two different issues here -- bibliographic
instruction and computer application instruction. 
Showing someone how to use the catalog, a database, or
the index to Contemporary Authors = bibliographic
instruction.  Showing someone how to format their
resume or send photos in an email attachment =
computer application instruction.

Do the patrons care about or even perceive this
distinction?  No, of course not.  But it is important
for libraries and librarians to make decisions about
the resources they devote to the two kinds of
learning.

Julie Bauer
Collection Development Librarian
Loudoun County Public Library

--- Brenda Crispin <Brenda.Crispin at ci.oxnard.ca.us>
wrote:

> 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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