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Lifelong Learning: Development of the UK Academic Library Services in the context of Lifelong Learning

a JISC funded project

The subject of LIFELONG LEARNING has received prominence in recent years on the international stage and 1996 was designated the European Year of Lifelong Learning This project was funded by JISC, as an eLib supporting study and draws on the recognised importance of alliances between government, higher education, professional bodies and learners.

Aims and Objectives of the Project

1. To review and assess the validity of models of lifelong learning, paying special attention to higher education related to lifelong learning.
2. To assess the learning resource implications and information requirements associated with various models for lifelong learning, and to consider how far electronic or virtual library approaches might be relevant in addressing those requirements.
3. To evaluate how far eLib projects and other eLib activities have or could facilitate resource support for lifelong learning.
4. To suggest specific policy initiatives at either the sector wide or institutional level in HE which might facilitate a greater capacity to support the information requirements of non-campus based lifelong learners.

Background

Higher education has adopted a number of models to support lifelong learning, although the area remains in a state of flux. Of particular importance are issues of academic restructuring around modularisation. Franchising, the Open University and other forms of remote delivery promote access and lifelong learning by making education available in people's immediate locality.

Library support for lifelong learners, and particularly for those based off-campus, has been poor in the UK., despite the pioneering work of the Open University .There are some examples of innovative practice, as for example Sheffield Hallam University's service to its distance learners and the University of Central Lancashire's VALNOW Service. The developing information infrastructure in the UK provides opportunities to overcome many of these obstacles and to provide truly innovative and appropriate services.

Methodology

Establishment of, through the literature and through discussion with experts, the various models of lifelong learning described. This includes an emphasis on documenting key case studies and where possible discussions have been held with key players from these cases. Examination of the outcomes and projected outcomes of all eLib projects to determine their relevance to the topic.

The main output is the Final Report: Development of UK Academic Library Services in the Context of Lifelong Learning. This Final Report is directed towards policy makers, including senior librarians within and outside higher education. It includes an executive summary as well as:

1. a map of models for distance and lifelong learning relevant to higher education
2. specific recommendations about the policy and practice implications of the development of lifelong learning for academic libraries
3. clear identification of the relevance of the eLib work to these matters

For further information about LIFELONG LEARNING, please contact:

Jenny Craven, Researcher
Centre for Research in Library and Information Management (CERLIM)
Department of Information and Communications
The Manchester Metropolitan University
Geoffrey Manton Building
Rosamond Street West
off Oxford Road
Manchester M15 6LL

tel: 0161 247 6142 fax: 0161 247 6979
email:cerlim@mmu.ac.uk