LILAC 2014 Teachmeet Abstract

1. Library induction on the go – delivering library induction via mobile devices
Angela Carritt, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, angela.carritt@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Oliver Bridle, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, oliver.bridle@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Oxford University’s libraries like many in the academic sector have long been concerned with the effectiveness of
undergraduate library inductions run during Freshers’ week. Focus groups with Oxford students have shown that
many freshers find the transition from school libraries to large research libraries difficult, finding the latter complex
and in some cases intimating. Traditional “face to face” inductions in Freshers week can help with this and in
addition are often seen as an opportunity to develop students’ information literacy skills. However, the timing is
poor with students facing information overload and lacking the necessary context for effective learning to take
place.
Oxford University with the benefit of a JISC Transformations grant and effective collaboration with libraries across
the organisation, have taken an innovative approach to this problem by developing an online library induction for
delivery primarily via mobile devices, “Library Assistant for Oxford Freshers”. This allows students to benefit from
library induction at the point of need by accessing key information in a simple, modern and user-friendly fashion.
This paper will discuss Oxford University’s work with students to develop “Library Assistant for Oxford Freshers”
and will look at students’ responses to the induction. In addition, the paper will discuss how libraries can use
mobile technologies to reach out to students rather than expecting them always to come to us!