"This book investigates the relationship between local libraries and community development, from the historical roots of rural libraries to their influence on the literacy, economy, and culture of the surrounding region"--Provided by publisher.

Keeping the User in Mind provides a practical down-to-earth look at instructional design and its uses in the academic library. Focus is given to teaching and measuring information literacy skills, and chapters also review the history of the field, providing an overview of some relevant technological innovations that might be a part of any library's instructional design mosaic. Fuelled by the need for asynchronous learning, the availability of the Web, and the need to evaluate learning outcomes, instructional design covers a wide range of approaches and models. How do libraries build environments that support learning, encourage the infusion of technology and be nimble enough to adjust to changing user needs? Instructional design is an area that may provide some insight. This book will provide a down-to-earth look at instructional design and its uses in the academic library, with a particular look at teaching and measuring information literacy skills. Chapters also review the history of the field, and provide an overview of some current relevant technological innovations that might be a part of any library's instructional design mosaic. - One of very few monographs focusing exclusively on instructional design in library environments - Written by an author with international experience in libraries, instructional evaluation and information technology. Author also has experience designing virtual learning tools - Written with practical application of instructional design principles in mind, including a sample instructional design process used to construct an actual information literacy tutorial for an academic library

The use and application of qualitative and quantitative research within a library service setting has traditionally been seen as an onerous task with little relevance for the evaluation and examination of day-to-day activities of the library. This book will provide an overview of the history of qualitative research within the modern library. Its present-day role will be examined and suggestions provided for areas that might be suited to this type of research for the purposes of evaluation. The author will discuss how the results from such research might be applied, and the overall impact of using this type of research to inform development of a more user-centred organisation. Those libraries that have ventured bravely down the research path have leaned more heavily towards the use of standardized surveys and other similar instruments to gather feedback about performance, meet user needs, and reveal areas for improvement. This type of internal research shows that if it is done in a focused manner there may be keys in terms of bolstering budgetary support, implementing/improving programs and services, and supporting user needs. This book will provide examples of some qualitative studies, and also discuss different methodologies and their application in a simple, straightforward manner.

Instructional technology design for libraries is an area of growing interest that includes the use of instructional design principles to create learner-centered products that help users learn a variety of complex research and information skills. This book will provide a down-to-earth look at instructional design and its uses in the academic library, with a particular look at teaching and measuring information literacy skills. Included will be a review of the history of this intriguing field, and an overview of some current relevant technological innovations that might be a part of any library's instructional design mosaic.