1. How the public library can facilitate independent learning.
Supporting students
How the public library can facilitate independent learning.
The Hive 30 November

2. The Hive: a unique partnership
Opened in 2012
University and public library
275,000 items of bookstock
8:30 – 22:00 7 day opening
To date Community Liaison Librarian has seen over 3200 students, teaching IL skills.
Background info.
Group sizes range from 8 – 30 however the average size is around 12 – 18.
The Hive 30 November

3. Reading more widely Decoding books
Using reference lists/further reading/bibliographies
Checking library catalogues
Reading reference lists in books and journals then checking the catalogue – helps students become more widely read
Decoding books, it can be like doing detective work. We use a lot of jargon in libraries/publishing that we take for granted
Contents/Index pages,
Footnotes: op cit, ibid.
References/further reading etc located at: end of chapter vs end of book.
Editors
Editions
The Hive 30 November

4. Using newspapers Summarising Locating sources Checking for bias
Using social media to keep up to date
Newspapers for summarising, can you turn an article into a tweet/50 words/100 words?
Locating sources e.g. ‘A survey says…’ can you locate the original survey?,
Checking for bias – using different newspapers
Following news via social media: following sites relevant to subject area, that way news comes to you not the other way around.
The Hive 30 November

5. Using journals Understanding how journals work Online journals
Using Google Scholar
Access to Research
Anatomy of a journal – introducing students to journal jargon e.g. abstract, keywords, peer review.
DOAJ - adolescent mental health scroll down to references (11. Spence): the following can be found in the reference list (using them as a signpost to other useful resources)
A Qualitative Process Evaluation of Classroom-Based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Reduce Adolescent Depression John A. Taylor, Rhiannon Phillips, Ellen Cook, Lucy Georgiou, Paul Stallard, Kapil Sayal
Google Scholar – ‘cited by’ function is useful for more up to date resources. Anything freely available will provide a link on the right hand of the screen.
Access to Research - only available in participating public libraries; a database of all publicly funded (UK) research
The Hive 30 November

6. Internet research Evaluating what you find Search smarter
Use a subject guide
Independent learning – internet research and web evaluation,
Crap detector: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Purpose
Google Advanced Search – using Boolean and other fields to narrow your search. Many students think they know the beginning and end of Google.
Uk population filetype: xls
Steak pudding –kidney
Virtual Training Suite – no longer updated but a good starting point for locating credible resources on a given subject. The tutorials provide good study skills tips too. (pg4 Health and Social Care)
Alternatively university library subject guides are a good place to start.
If not VTS then university subject guides i.e.
The Hive 30 November

7. Where to go for help
Not just there to answer questions on ‘where are the…books?’
Signposting skills e.g.
Best resources for…
Academic writing
Knowledge of other libraries
This may be good for staff too. The staff who bring students to The Hive often have no idea what we do and it would useful if you could help break down stereotypes
What a librarian can help with
Reference interviews – helping to tease out questions, clarify the student’s research task
Academic writing – more libraries are being asked to assist with this even if you don’t have experience you can signpost to relevant book stock
Knowledge about local university and public libraries and what they offer e.g. all public libraries offer free access to Ancestry. ILLs
The Hive 30 November

8. References
Crabtree, H. Roberts, C. and Tyler, C. (2007)Understanding the Problems of Transition into Higher Education. Conference Paper. Education in a Changing Environment.
Further Reading:
Walsh, A. and Inala, P. (2010). Active learning techniques for librarians: practical examples. Oxford: Chandos Publishing. ISBN:
The Crabtree article features a good table showing the transition process i.e. what happens at school vs what HE academics are looking for in students.
Walsh & Inala text very useful for designing teaching activities.
The Hive 30 November

9. Who to talk to Head of Sixth Form EPQ co-ordinator
Teachers who you’re friendly with/who use your services already.
Ideally, it would be useful to demonstrate these activities to the Head of Sixth Form, EPQ co-ordinator etc. Invite them to your library and win them over on a one to one basis. Good luck!
The Hive 30 November