Page 140 - DLIS105_REFERENCE_SOURCES_AND_SERVICES

Unit 12: Some Important Information Centers

Notes

The emphasis on self-education has led to increased use of seminars, tutorials, projects,
etc. as teaching methods and less reliance on formal lessons and classroom lectures.
There is an implicit assumption in this educational change, that learner is capable of
finding material relevant to his needs. However, in practice, such an assumption is
not valid. In other words, the learner requires to be taught that capability. Only then,
student is able to prepare for taking full and active part in the new ways of learning.
Another factor which necessitates library use instruction to the student is the growth
of interdisciplinary courses, particularly in institutions of higher education, such
courses which cut across the traditional boundaries of subjects, creates problems for
the student in the location, selection and organisation of the material for study. The
mere quantity of material to be searched, because of the various disciplines involved,
requires that-the student should be helped to find his or her way. Not only quantity,
but the diversity of sources and formats, makes the need for help essential. Without
suitable training the student would be unable to make efficient use of all the
information that is available and potentially useful.

In the beginning of the twentieth century; the service library was regarded as a reactive library
providing excellent service for a relatively small group of users. Libraries cost a great deal of money
to be equipped and run. These expensive institutions are only being used by a small proportion of
the potential users. This fact has been reported by Committees such as Parry Committee. The Parry
Committee report mentioned that many students were not active users of their academic libraries
in U.K.
On the other hand, the concept of a proactive library advocates that an attempt should be made to
attract all potential users into the library.

In all types of library, it is important to attract as many users as possible. It is no
use buying literature, carefully processing and storing it, if no one uses it.
Therefore, it has been stated that money spent on educating and training users
is a good investment if this effort increases the use and appreciation of the library.

The purpose of user education was not solely to stimulate library use as this is but one of the sources
of information. User education is concerned with the whole information and communication process
and one part of this involves the total interaction of the user with the library. User education is
central to the whole purpose of library and the effective utilization of information resources.

Self Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions:
5. The education-for-life aspect is more important today when the rapid growth of informa-
tion places greater stress on the ability to continue to learn throughout:
(a) Life (b) System
(c) Institution (d) Information.
6. The Parry Committee report mentioned that many students were not active users of their
academic libraries in:
(a) India (b) U.S.A.
(c) France (d) U.K.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 135