One of the central aims of the Professional Development Framework is to:

“Contribute to the quality assurance and enhancement of the student learning experience”

                                                                                                                      (PD Framework)

 

As library staff who are “involved in the teaching and the facilitation of student learning”, we will always endeavor to make the learning experience of students more rewarding.

In every aspect of our professional development we ask:

  • How does this domain impact on the way I work with, facilitate and teach students?
  • Reflecting on my experience, was I influenced by the values of Librarians/Teachers/Others as a student?
  • How would I like the values of my profession and practice to impact on the Student Experience?

 

Andrew Forde 

Andrew Forde (Vice President of Union of Students in Ireland USI) discusses the Professional Development Framework (PDF) and how it impacts on student learning and their experience of libraries.

 

 

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:

  1. Expanding an understanding of what a library represents to students
  2. 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.

Pierre Yimbog

Pierre Yimbog President at DIT Students Union C.L.G discusses the importance of libraries for students.

3 main points Pierre raises are

  • More resources -so libraries are opened longer
  • More training and supports for librarians themselves
  • More funding to enhance existing library services

“Library is pinnacle of what has to be provided within college…”

Richard Morrell

Richard Morrell (SU President Institute of Technology Carlow) discusses the new Digital Landscape that students and libraries now operate within.

  • Libraries need to stay relevant to users. Role of libraries needs to be both academic and social for students.
  • Library staff need to continually upgrade their skills, responding to evolving technological environment.
  • Teaching role of library staff important in digital age for students.
  • Library buildings need to be adapted to the way students now learn, e.g. social facilities, food and drink etc. provided.

 

“Libraries are the student’s office…”

Bryony Ramsden talks about User Experience (UX) and how libraries can learn from their users.

 

  • Measuring user experience is a vital and complex process.
  • Responding to users requirements for one cohort of users may have knock-on benefits for everyone. e.g. Better signage for dyslectic or visual impaired users creates clearer signage for all users.