Any questions? Just Ask: changing library roles at the University of Huddersfield to support widening participation Sue White and Lorraine Noel
Sue White and Lorraine Noel
Refereed Paper
Authors
Sue White is Head of Library Services in Computing
and Library Services at the University of Huddersfield.
She chaired the groups which developed and
monitored the Guide scheme discussed in this article.
Lorraine Noel is User Services Manager in Computing
and Library Services at the University of Huddersfield,
with responsibility for most of the library front-line
services. She was a member of the implementation and
monitoring groups which co-ordinated the Guide
scheme and led the evaluation process.
Email: s.a.white@hud.ac.uk
Email: l.c.noel@hud.ac.uk
Abstract
This article describes an innovative scheme to improve
students’ abilities and confidence in using a University
library, by adapting the role of library assistants.
Through developing a more proactive and welcoming
approach to supporting students when they entered
the Library, it was hoped the Library would be able to
contribute to the University’s mission to attract and
retain students from non-traditional HE backgrounds.
The scheme has been well received by students and
staff. The article highlights issues raised during the
development, implementation and evaluation of the
scheme. |
Updated: 25 July 2005