aberdeenshire library and information service delivering ict and information to rural communities...
TRANSCRIPT
Aberdeenshire Library and Information Service
Delivering ICT and Information to Rural Communities
Anne Harrison & Helen Dewar
Aberdeenshire Library and Information Service
1 Background and challenges for ICT and how Aberdeenshire tried to address some of these – Anne Harrison
2. NOF CALL Tutor Project – Helen Dewar
Background
Rural authority - North East Scotland Integrated library service - schools
and public 36 libraries 6 mobile libraries 17 academies incl 3 community
libraries
Challenges for ICT
Public access to ICT Staff numbers and spread Keeping up with the technology New resources – NOF funded / ALIS
funded New initiatives – eg reader
development
How Aberdeenshire addressed these challenges
User guides developed to access the PN and the resources
Launched GO@L (go online at libraries)
Staff ICT training and support
Reader development
The Future
Intranet developments Staff skills Partnerships / Shared vision
Community access to lifelong learning(CALL)
Tutor Project
Aberdeenshire Library and Information Service (ALIS)
Aberdeenshire Library and Information ServiceICT and Rural Inclusion
•Demography of Aberdeenshire
•Background to the project
•Scope of project
•Current position
•Future challenges
Aberdeenshire Library and Information ServiceICT and Rural Inclusion
Background
National objectives – – Digital Inclusion : infrastructure created
• Peoples Network
• NOF Training for Library Staff (ECDL; Scotia)
ALIS restructured – advantages of joint service (Lifelong Learning)– New posts required
• Information Literacy Librarian
• 2 part time Learner Support Tutors
Aberdeenshire Library and Information ServiceICT and Rural Inclusion
Background
Participation in the Scottish Learning Network Project.
Gained understanding of adult learners and their needs.
Desire for libraries to develop learning role Learning partners
– experience of bids – willing to work alongside us
Aberdeenshire Library and Information ServiceICT and Rural Inclusion
Background
Met with partners to prepare NOF/ CALL Bid – gap analysis
Funding granted by NOF and staff appointed August 2002 to develop the project
Scope of the project
Key role information handling/ literacy
Complementary to other provision
Free
Flexible
One to one and small group
Gateway to other learning providers ILPs
Customer base – target specific groups
36 Access points
Aberdeenshire Library and Information Service
ICT and Rural Inclusion
Current position
Supported ICT sessions are available in all 36 branches in Aberdeenshire – Branch staff receive additional hours to provide
dedicated supported ICT sessions to learners– Each branch is allocated a ‘budget’ of hours and plans
activities and sessions over the year according to local circumstances and demand.
Promotes rural inclusion – Access points in rural communities across
Aberdeenshire– Social benefits of taking part in training– Development of skills – Access to information
Aberdeenshire Library and Information Service
ICT and Rural Inclusion
NOF client groups
Adults – no ready access to ICT Rural Parents Disabled Ethnic minorities
Uptake
Target August 2003 – July 2004500 learners accessing the project
Actuals May 2004 535 learners attending courses600 using self study material
Advantages for customer
Free Flexible One to one Small group Community building
Advantages for tutor
Job satisfaction – scope to develop the project
Free from constraints of delivering accredited learning
Preparing own materials – keep it simple
Customer confidence
Quality control
Training Learning materials Network meetings Reporting
Capacity building
Access points – partner use Referrals Links to ALIS projects
literacy
homework clubs
Bookstart/Surestart
Careers development
ALIS - checklist
Balance formal and informal learning opportunities Peer /Staff led training and support Incentives to stimulate uptake- goody bags Offer try-it activities to attract previously excluded
groups Facilities comfortable and non threatening Internet as vehicle for re-skilling and lifelong
learning Develop relevant need focused content – content
user led
Users come to
Learn to use a computer Send email to family and friends Pursue hobby on internet Meet other people and make new friends Improve confidence with ICT Build upon existing ICT knowledge Increase employability Enhance career progression Develop skills to help others Get back to learning Acquire new skills
ALIS offers
Convenient location Supportive environment – gentle tailored
approach to learning – at own pace as well as info on learning options and personal dev support
Respond to learner needs – opt in and out Links to other activities to attract excluded Actively using new skills ( staff) New attitude to learning and progression( staff) Community and social links – meet new people
Sustainability and the future
Outreach Marketing and programmes of events Higher education links Community Learning and
Development Plan Community Plan