Old Skills and New Practices Mean Radical Change for Library Education

Association for Library and Information Science Education. 2150 N 107th Street Suite 205, Seattle, WA 98133. Tel: 206-209-5267; Fax: 206-367-8777; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.alise.org/jelis-2

Y

10

Institute of Museum and Library Services

RE07140051

Library Education; Public Libraries; Library Skills; Educational Change; Urban Areas; Low Income Groups; Participatory Research; Action Research; Information Needs; Needs Assessment; Library Services; Librarians; Semi Structured Interviews; Focus Groups; Access to Information; Oral Language; Information Sources; Preferences

0748-5786

Technological advances and other societal change have resulted in public libraries' increased reliance on online resources when providing access to information. However, a portion of those served by public libraries includes members of urban poor populations who may prefer to interact with information by talking. How can library educators ensure graduates are prepared to serve these populations? Using the participatory action research method this paper reports the Oral Present research project. This project is part of an on-going study conducted to identify how public libraries studied meet the information needs of this constituency. Results reveal how current service practices involve a radical twist on using traditional collection development skills. Discussion includes recommendations to ensure library education curricula can better prepare graduates for applying age-old professional practices in radical new ways.

As Provided

38

2016

EJ1106745