The state of library education in British Columbia is vital to the future of the sector. This issue of BCLA Perspectives, The Education Issue, takes a close look at the points of view of educators and students, as well as the experiences of professionals who not only...
BCLA Perspectives
Issue 3: The Education Issue
An interview with University of the Fraser Valley Associate Professor Christina Neigel
Christina Neigel is an Associate Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley. She has been a member of the teaching staff for the Library and Information Technology program for 15 years. BCLA Perspectives (BP): What are the soft skills and attributes your program...
An interview with Dr. Luanne Freund, Acting Director of the [email protected]
Dr. Luanne Freund is an Associate Professor and the Acting Director of the [email protected]: School of Library, Archival, and Information Studies. BCLA Perspectives (BP): What are the soft skills and attributes your program inculcates in its graduates that make them...
An interview with Diane Thompson, Chair of Langara College’s Library & Information Technology program
Diane Thompson is both an instructor and the Chair of the Library and Information Technology program at Langara College. The interview responses feature contributions from her fellow Langara instructors Linda Morrison, Debbie Schachter, and Dale West. BCLA...
On experiential learning: Professional tips for students *and* employers
Professional experience – from practicums to internships, co-op jobs and classroom-based community projects – is not just a line or two on a resume to help students and recent grads stand out in a sea of educated candidates. Experiential learning opportunities are...
Teaching critical analysis: The case of fake news
In the era of fake news and alternative facts, evaluating information with a critical eye has become more important than ever. Since the American election last fall, librarians at BCIT have been receiving requests from faculty to cover fake news and critical thinking...
Listen, be curious, and be patient: Advice for Readers’ Advisory
How often do you see friends' plaintive calls for book recommendations on Facebook? The responses are usually numerous but completely scattershot, unfocused on the particular reader and what they are wanting at the moment. Do people know that they can come to...
Get in where you fit in: Overcoming challenges to continuing education in special libraries
I was recently lamenting the challenge of finding the right continuing education opportunities in the special libraries world. Our libraries and users are so specialized that typical professional development courses simply bear little relationship to the subject...
The Perspectives Education Survey
This was our first time attempting a survey of this magnitude and the responses were overwhelming. In total, 128 participants contributed to our questionnaire on the past, present, and future of library education. We asked seven questions: five essay and two multiple...
Survey question 1: What are the most valuable skills your education provided?
Here, we saw research and information retrieval and cataloguing jump to the top of the list. Some research and information responses were internet specific, some were broader. We have grouped them together. Other common responses receiving votes: Networking (3),...