Kyle Feenstra
Coordinator for Learning & Instruction Support at University of Manitoba Libraries
Bringing the Library
to the Classroom Learner
Kyle Feenstra
Coordinator, Learning & Instruction Support
University of Manitoba Libraries, 2019.
The "Digital" Learning Experience
Demands on the student's attention
Demands on the student's time
- Digital learning materials intended to facilitate remote study also add a layer of technological complexity to learning processes.
- Remote study and online study have potential for increased:
Information
Over-Saturation!
The challenge is not finding materials. It is knowing how and where to find appropriate materials for student research.
Information sources vary and credibility is suspect.
- Academic research (peer-reviewed vs predatory)
- News and cultural media sources (N.Y. Times vs. Vox or Slate)
- Indigenous and other non-western ways of knowing
-
Less traditional information sourcing (i.e. crowd sourcing)
The "Digital" Learning Experience
The Library and the Learner
Student use of the library does impact student engagement, success, and retention.
Kuh, G. D., & Gonyea, R. M. (2015)
On average students at research intensive universities use the physical library less than students at other types of post-secondary institutions.
Kuh, G. D., & Gonyea, R. M. (2015); Oakleaf, M. (2015)
"Students who perceive that their institution emphasizes the importance of information/research literacy report higher gains in information literacy skills".
Kuh, G. D., & Gonyea, R. M. (2015)
"Learning gains [associated with library use] are the result of variable/multiple learning experiences, activities, and interactions over time".
Oakleaf, M. (2015)
A Learning Environment?
"Faculty-student interaction and instructor feedback relate positively to library use".
Kuh, G. D., & Gonyea, R. M. (2015)
A Learning Environment?
The library as an engaging social learning environment?
- inclusive social space
- usable, up to date, physical and digital infrastructure
- learning spaces that facilitate creativity and critical thinking
- learning experiences closely integrated with academic programs of the university
The library as a place to get things?
- Starbucks
- Books
- An empty seat
A Digital Learning Environment
Conceptualizing the library as a borderless space that includes and extends beyond the bricks and mortar building
- Remote access to collections
- Remote access to reference services
Learning at the Libraries
(website)
Instructional content for UM Learn
Curricular Framework for Information
& Research Literacy
Building a digital learning support infrastructure
Information & Research Literacy
| Directed Research |
Guided Research |
Independent* Research |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Locating appropriate information | Identify key concepts and the tools required to find appropriate information sources. | Research problems or questions are translated into search strategies utilizing a range of tools... | Inquiry is situated within an existing area of research. Search strategies incorporate a variety of tools and sources... |
| Assessing information relvance and validity | Information sources are evaluated for credibility, validity... | Suitability of information sources are evaluated using discipline specific methods... | ... requires reflection and self evaluation of research process |
| Organizing concepts and information | Uses introductory citation management tools... | Implements a data management plan using appropriate tools... | Requires use of a data management and preservation plan... |
* Adapted from ANZIL, 2004 & Univ. of Melbourne Scholarly & Digital Literacy Framework,
For presentation purposes only.
Information & Research Literacy
Collections
Under-utilized collections that can be integrated into a digital learning experience or environment.
- Reference materials
- Open access publications
- Open education resource collections
- Digitized primary source collections
- Archive materials
Conversations We Want to Have
With faculties about...
- Under utilized collections (especially our extensive digital collections)
- Open access publications and Open Education Resources
- Integrating more of our collections into coursework and digital learning environments such as UM Learn
- Integrating information & research literacy into the curriculum
With other academic support units about:
- Further integration of student support services at UM, as we have already done with:
- Writing Tutors
- Academic Integrity
- Citation Guides
- Workshop Offerings
References
- Kuh, G. D., & Gonyea, R. M. (2015). The Role of the Academic Library in Promoting Student Engagement in Learning. College & Research Libraries, 76(3), 359. https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.76.3.359
- Oakleaf, M. (2015). The Library’s Contribution to Student Learning: Inspirations and Aspirations. College & Research Libraries, 76(3), 353. https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.76.3.353
- Oliveira, S. M. (2017). The academic library’s role in student retention: A review of the literature. Library Review, 66(4/5), 310–329. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-12-2016-0102
Kyle Feenstra
Coordinator, Learning & Instruction Support
University of Manitoba Libraries
kyle.feenstra@umanitoba.ca
Bring the Library to the Learner
By Kyle Feenstra
Bring the Library to the Learner
December 2, 2019
