General Objective

Library Instructional Programmes organised by NTU Library aim to promote effective use of information, information sources and information systems.

Types of Programmes and their Objectives

There are 3 types of programmes organised by the Library:

1. Basic instruction and training

This is akin to an orientation programme and is offered to new teaching staff and higher degree students. The emphasis of this programme is to show how collections and information sources are physically organised and accessed at the NTU Library. The approach is institution-based.




• Participants will learn that:
  collections and information resources are organised by subject, format, type of material, etc.;
• the Library uses call numbers and location symbols to assign an address to each item in the collection to assist retrieval from the shelves;
• the Library maintains a record of individual items in the Library collection in the form of an online public access catalogue or OPAC;
• professional library staff provide certain services through various departments and they may be consulted for assistance to access information
• knowing the various procedures and policies relating to services will facilitate their use of the library resources;
• the Library is not the only place to obtain information as it can be obtained from other libraries and sources as well.




2. Advanced instruction and training

This is a comprehensive programme offered to undergraduates to provide them with specific skills needed to complete assignments or projects as well as to prepare them to make effective life-long use of information, information resources and information systems. The approach is concept-based.

Participants will learn:

• how information is defined by experts, and recognize how that knowledge can help determine the direction of his search for specific information;
• how information sources are structured, and understand the importance of the organizational content, bibliographic structure, function, and use of information sources;
• how information sources are intellectually accessed by users by identifying useful information from information sources or information systems;
• how information sources are physically organised and accessed.
  
  
3. Resource specific instruction and training

This is an in-depth programme targeting both academic and administrative staff for the purpose of continuing education. The emphasis is to introduce new information resources or systems, and to reinforce existing skills or impart new skills. The approach is resource-based.

Participants will learn:

• coverage of the new information resource or system;
• how to intellectually access the information resource or system.

Enablers

The success of the Library Instructional Programmes depends on three enablers.

1. Well trained staff

The programmes are developed and conducted by the professional staff of the Resource Dept, in collaboration with and under instruction from the Instructional and Research Support Librarian. To perform creditably as instructors, staff are trained to acquire teaching and curriculum development skills, as well as, instructional production skills. The Library has in place a programme of continuing education, which includes attendance at academic-based competency development courses as well as refresher train-the-trainers sessions, for these staff. In addition, staffs' knowledge and skills in teaching are also acquired on the job.

2. Training space

The Library has a well-equipped Instruction Room in the Lee Wee Nam Library to conduct talks, demos, lectures, tutorials and workshops. This room can accommodate about 40 participants. To accommodate larger groups of participants, the Library uses computer laboratories in various schools and lecture theatres. The availability of these facilities has enabled the Library to conduct various types of instructions as required.

3. Management support

The Library Instructional Programmes for staff and students receive positive endorsement from the Library Committee which is made up of the Deans of the various Schools. All Schools have been involved in these programmes in one way or another during the last three years.