Key point of Andrew’s discussion:
What students need from their libraries is varied: Examples of student’s needs from libraries include space for deep thought, borrowing facility and a place to take inquires and receive instruction (akin to a student learning center).
Andrew focuses on 2 aspects of the professional development framework (PDF) and discusses how it relates to students:
- Expanding an understanding of what a library represents to students
- The Digital capacity of modern academic libraries
What a library staff represents to students (Domain 1 and 2)
The idea that library staff are like “Role Models” for students is discussed
- Students perception of library staff is enhanced if we learn to speak their language. This happens when library staff become exposed to student voices and opinions.
- When library staff become involved in developing their own skills (through the PDF) students appreciate that they are dealing with professionals who are academic
Digital Capacity of Library staff (Domain 3, 4 and 5)
- Students are not pre-packaged nor is there a standardised student who is necessarily a proficient user of technology. Library staff assist them greatly in their different stages of technology proficiency.
- Library staff increasingly provide access to online resources that address specific student needs just in time. e.g. online instruction on how to reference in assignments.