Beyond ECDL: basic and advanced IT skills for the new library professional

This paper reports on a new multimedia-centred ICT module, called Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) for Postgraduate Information and Library Studies students at the Graduate School of Informatics at Strathclyde University. It had radical aims (introducing novel ICT skill content in a progressive manner, encouraging deep learning and self-directed study) and used a weekly survey and a post-module survey to investigate its operation. Skills learnt were compared to skills required during student placement in libraries. Conclusions are drawn as to its success in matching the needs of future library professionals

Justify or die? - using contingent valuation of service provision in a UK public library

The public library service in the UK is currently under pressure to justify its existence. An Audit Commission report suggested that if current borrowing rates for libraries continue into the future, libraries would be effectively issuing no books by 2020. Recently the Coates Report asserted about book loans that, "in simple terms, if a service is without separate charge and the public decides not to use it, then the service is de facto without any value to these individuals". Yet Coates' simplistic notions of the services public libraries provide lies at the heart of the problem. Performance indicators based on book loans are unable to assess 'the totality of library effectiveness'. Conversely, qualitative analysis, interviewing users about service impact, shows that libraries 'promote social cohesion and community confidence'. However qualitative findings are by nature not quantitative and not comparable. To try to produce a measure for service quality, contingent valuation was chosen. It elicits economic value judgements from users on both services they use and services they do not use. A major independent study using contingent valuation was conducted by the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde on East Renfrewshire Library Services, near Glasgow, which is recognised as an exemplary public library service. The study revealed the inability of contingent valuation to adequately assess the complex mix of services provided. The study concludes that an urgent rethink is required regarding measures for public library service evaluation

The distance selling directive: consumer champion or complete irrelevance?

This paper investigates the origins, significant content, UK and EU implementation and outcomes of Directive 97/7/EC on distance selling, hereafter referred to as the Distance Selling Directive (DSD). The DSD has been implemented in national legislation by all EU Member States. In the UK this legislation was the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No. 2334), hereafter referred to as the CPDSR

Evaluation of SCRAN subscription to Scottish public libraries

This report commissioned by the Scottish Library and Information Council evaluates the year-long Scottish Executive-funded project to give all public libraries in Scotland access to the SCRAN service. The implementation of the project was supported by a Project Steering Group with both SLIC and SCRAN representation, and a wider steering group with membership from Heads of Service, Scottish Executive, and SCRAN and chaired by Elaine Fulton of SLIC

Lifelong learning or lifelong listening? Transforming the learning experiences of older adults in Higher Education in Scotland through dialogue: Theory development paper

This paper proposes that theorising about widening participation pedagogic practice in relation to older adults can be significantly developed by integrating insights from critical educational gerontology and academic literacies perspectives. We examine the possibilities of this theoretical development by drawing on two exploratory research projects with 20 older students in a Scottish university, proposing dialogue can act as a catalyst for making the opaque, transparent and learning experiences, transformative

Lifelong Learning or Lifelong Listening? Transforming the Learning Experiences of Older Adults in Higher Education in Scotland through Dialogue

This paper proposes that theorising about widening participation pedagogic practice in relation to older adults can be significantly developed by integrating insights from critical educational gerontology and academic literacies perspectives. We examine the possibilities of this theoretical development by drawing on two exploratory research projects with 20 older students in a Scottish university, proposing dialogue can act as a catalyst for making the opaque, transparent and learning experiences, transformative

The Extent of Sectarianism Online

Study focusing on the extent and nature of online sectarianism often connected with football in Scotland

The Extent of Sectarianism Online : Project Report produced for Nil by Mouth

Study focusing on the extent and nature of online sectarianism often connected with football in Scotland