Librarians Outside The Box: Waterford Institute Of Technology's Library based Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Training & Development Programme

The article fits into the category of Case Study as defined by the Emerald Publishing Group : Describes actual interventions or experiences within organisations. May well be subjective and will not generally report on research. Purpose To outline the structure and development of a library based VLE training programme at WIT and to describe its origins, implementations and long-term goals. To explain why WIT Libraries was prepared to diversify from its traditional role and to take on the challenges involved in this project. Design / Methodology / Approach Case study report on the VLE training initiative as it has progressed at WIT. Describes WIT Libraries’ experience as the main instigator of the WebCT training programme at WIT and questions whether or not this has been an effective medium for the introduction of WebCT to WIT. Findings Concludes by stating that the Library Unit is capable of implementing a varied and diverse and successful VLE programme. Stresses the importance of the personnel involved to the success of the project to date. Research limitations / implications The project is still at an early stage of development. The study provides a short-term view of one small academic library service’s experience of implementing a VLE. No full-scale user survey has been conducted to date. Practical implications This account of WIT Libraries experience of working with a VLE is likely to be a useful source of practical information for libraries in similar positions, of similar scale, faced with similar challenges. Originality / value Offers practical solutions for libraries in similar positions. The successful diversification of the traditional library role is likely to be of interest to all members of the library profession. Keywords : VLE, WebCT, Academic libraries, Learning Support, User education, ELearnin

Piloting a dedicated information literacy programme for nursing students at Waterford Institute of Technology Libraries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the pilot information literacy programme for undergraduate nursing students as recently developed at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) libraries. The paper outlines the background to the programme, discusses its design and delivery and summarises participating students' initial response to it. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes a broadly practical, case study approach in terms of recounting experiences of designing and delivering a dedicated information literacy programme for undergraduate nursing students at WIT. Findings – Although the project is still at an early or pilot stage, the feedback from the undergraduate students who attended training is very positive. The fact that the programme was so well received in its first year of operation is encouraging and inspiring, going forward. Practical implications – The paper should be of interest to anyone involved in developing information literacy programmes or in the supply of information to nursing students. Originality/value – This paper is likely to be of practical interest to academic librarians, who are looking for a fresh approach to information literacy training for undergraduate nursing students at third level institutions of similar scale and size to WIT

Crossing a bridge: The challenges of developing & delivering a pilot information literacy course for international students

The article fits into the category of Case Study as defined by the Emerald Publishing Group : Describes actual interventions or experiences within organisations. May well be subjective and will not generally report on research. Purpose To describe the challenges involved in developing and delivering a pilot library skills course to a group of international Bridging Studies students from China and Pakistan. To provide guidelines for other libraries who may be faced with similar challenges. Design / Methodology / Approach The article documents the development and delivery of a pilot course for international students. The course described formed part of an accredited Critical Thinking & Research Skills module. The challenges of the project are described and a number of recommendations for its future development are outlined. Findings The project underlined the challenges involved in teaching library skills to international students. The main barrier that emerged throughout the course related to communication difficulties. Language levels amongst the group were poorer than anticipated. The group did display excellent IT skills, however, and enjoyed class work that actively engaged them in the learning process. Research limitations / implications The project is still at a pilot stage of development. The paper provides a short-term view of one small academic library‘s experience of working with international students. No full-scale student survey has been conducted to date. Practical implications This account of WIT Libraries experience of developing and delivering an accredited information skills course for the Bridging Studies group is likely to be a useful source of practical information for libraries in similar positions, of similar scale, faced with similar challenges. Originality / value Offers practical solutions for libraries in similar positions. The successful diversification of the traditional library role is likely to be of interest to all members of the library profession. Keywords: Academic libraries, ESL, Information literacy, International students, Learning outcomes, Learning support, User educatio

Supposing is good, but finding out is better: a survey of research postgraduate students at WIT Libraries

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Breaking a leg : going on stage with the educators

This article is a sketch of developments to date in the area and is, more specifically, an account of the experience of the library staff involved in Learning Support at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). The article examines the background to the educational experience in libraries, and major trends and resources in the area of library education. It also considers emerging strategies, making particular reference to how they are being translated into practical activities at WIT