Thanks for this, yes fostering more links with schools and using the library as a hub for this is definitely worth encouraging more. Yes staff training is crucial too, and to ensure that it develops and is encompassing to foster literate abilities.

Sheila

Sorry about delay in replying. Was in London and then knocking together a PPT for LILAC. Suggestions might include:
Some universities have wider access programmes which might include contacts with schools and local welfare organisations and involvement in these is worth considering.
Secondly pupils in years 5-6 in local schools should be encouraged to use the university library for dissertation etc work. There has also been formal work in linking IL skills training between school and HE (e.g. Moira Bent at Newcastle). University librarians should work with local school librarians on possible joint programmes.
There is also the question of training of teachers. We will not have information literate school pupils until we have information literate teachers. Trainee teachers should receive IL training. Strathclyde U would be a good place to start. The Dept of Info Studies could offer training.

Best wishes

John

All the best,

Bill.

Got to catch up. Would be intersted on hearing more of your views on how we could join up the informal and formal sectors more?

Sheila

Bill told me about this last week. Hope blog attacts a lot of postings. Good summary of IL issues above. However my interests have been for quite some time more in non HE, workplace and informal learning and I am increasingly concerned about the relative disinterest among academics in an area which does actually take in the vast majority of the population. Academia – university students and staff and academic librarians seem to have a clear view about what is most important in IL R&D – themselves – time to turn the tanker round?
PS Mentioned blog to Christine but she is a bit busy.

John