Developing information skills

1
Developing information skills in South East Wales
2

• Introduction
• Aims of Gateways to Learning
• Barriers to learning
• Information skills in libraries
• Why libraries?
• Opportunities

3
Aims

• Widen participation in learning
• Help people become confident
• critical information users
• Promote libraries as community information sources

4
Information skills

• Prerequisite for
• Social inclusion
• Creation of new knowledge
• Personal empowerment
• Learning for life

Bundy 2004
5
Barriers to learning

• Psychological
• Motivation
• Lack of confidence
• Low esteem
• Prior experience
• Recognition of need

• Practical
• Access
• Transport
• Childcare
• Cost
• Time

6
Information skills in libraries

• Taster sessions
• One-to-one support
• Open College Network (OCN)
• Based on individual learner interests or needs

7
5 steps model
8
Sophie

• Job searching
• Learning new skills

9
Caerphilly
Alan

• Unemployed
• Egyptology

10
Why libraries?

• Informal
• Inclusive
• Friendly
• Individual interest
• One-to-one support

• Community locations
• Public transport access
• Outreach services
• Opening hours
• Free

11
The role of library staff

• Engagement
• Recruiting
• Information literacy support
• Careers advice guidance

12
Successes to date

• 4000 cardholders
• 1500 learners
• 250 qualifications

13
Opportunities

• Consolidate extend staff engagement
• Outreach work
• Broaden client groups
• Integral to Citizen Entitlements

14
Questions?
www.gatewaystolearning.com