Developing information literate off-campus learners: Pedavogical issues and current practice

摘要

This study examined the potential and actual roles that academic librarians play in supporting the development of information literate off-campus learners. It reviews the literature, concentrating in particular on issues related to the institutional context in which off-campus learners are supported and the teaching role of the academic librarian. A series of 12 interviews and a questionnaire survey of 70 academic librarians provided the basis for a detailed analysis of the current situation in Scotland and a Web survey was used to confirm key findings, extending the study to include academic librarians across the United Kingdom. The research concludes that the most critical issue to be addressed is the integration of academic library professionals within course teams. These librarians are willing to become involved in teaching and to take responsibility for the delivery of information literacy courses for off-campus learners, but in order to do so effectively they must operate and interact with students within the same learning space as the academic staff.