Information Literacy Education: A Process Approach: Professionalising the Pedagogical Role of Academic Libraries

by Maria-Carme Torras, Tove Pemmer Saetre, Elisabeth T. Rafste

From a traditional role of information gatekeepers, librarians have been challenged to become pedagogues who teach and counsel students in information literacy. The aim of this book is to professionalise the educational role of academic libraries. It helps information professionals design and carry out information literacy education programmes. The book puts forward a process-oriented approach to information literacy user education. Practical ways are outlined in which librarians’ pedagogical involvement in higher education can be enhanced. By applying two general didactic models, the book meets the information professionals’ needs to make theoretically founded and independent choices in her teaching and supervisory practices as well as critically reflecting on them. Examples of best and less good practice are drawn upon to provide scenarios for reflection which can inspire and enrich the information professional’s work.

Genres: Nonfiction

126 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2008

Reviews

[Andy Horton]

A relevant read for my PGCPHE research project.

[Romany]

The subtitle was perhaps misleading. There's nothing in this book that directly relates to professionalization (except that understanding and using theory to become a better teacher is recommended - that may be what the authors were referring to). The case studies in this book are useful illustrations and the chapter on academic librarian as counselor is something to come back to in future. Worth reading, for sure.