Presented at LILAC 2007

1. Developing information skills
in
South East Wales

2. Introduction
Aims of Gateways to Learning
Barriers to learning
Information skills in libraries
Why libraries?
Opportunities

3. Aims
Widen participation in learning
Help people become confident &
critical information users
Promote libraries as community
information sources

4. Information skills
Prerequisite for:
 Social inclusion
 Creation of new knowledge
 Personal empowerment
 Learning for life
Bundy 2004

5. Barriers to learning
Psychological
 Motivation
 Lack of confidence
 Low esteem
 Prior experience
 Recognition of
need
Practical
 Access
 Transport
 Childcare
 Cost
 Time

6. Information skills in libraries
Taster sessions
One-to-one support
Open College Network (OCN)
Based on individual learner
interests or needs

7. 5 steps model
1 2 3 4 5
Need Locate Search Evaluate Use

8. Sophie
Job searching
Learning new skills

9. Caerphilly
Unemployed
Egyptology
Alan

10. Why libraries?
 Informal
 Inclusive
 Friendly
 Individual
interest
 One-to-one
support
 Community locations
 Public transport
access
 Outreach services
 Opening hours
 Free

11. The role of library staff
 Engagement
 Recruiting
 Information literacy support
 Careers advice & guidance

12. Successes to date
• 4000 cardholders
• 1500 learners
• 250 qualifications

13. Opportunities
 Consolidate & extend staff
engagement
 Outreach work
 Broaden client groups
 Integral to ‘Citizen Entitlements’

14. Questions?
www.gatewaystolearning.com