INSTG034:Services to children and young people

Module focus: This course introduces the issues involved, skills required and principles underlying the provision of services to children and young people through school and public libraries. It seeks to build the students’ personal and transferable skills and competencies to meet the demands of a changing professional environment. Children’s and school librarians have a significant role in enabling young people as independent and livelong learners. They work closely with a variety of carers, educators and other agencies in supporting children and in developing service partnerships. They need to be dynamic communicators, able to inspire children and young people and to inform and liaise with adults.

Learning outcomes: By the end of the module students will have an understanding of the diverse user needs within this client group. They will be aware of how current agendae, initiatives and partnerships affect service design and delivery. They will be able to develop policies and procedures for public and school libraries and will be able to evaluate resources and services. Students will have confidence in how to promote services to diverse audiences. They will have a sound awareness of resources and networks available to aid their work and of how they can support both clients and other staff.

When taught: for the academic session 2010/2011 only it is likely that this module will be taught twice - once on Monday afternoons in Term 1 (as is the current pattern) and repeated on Tuesday afternoons in Term 2 (which is likely to become the preferred term thereafter.)

Assessment: By coursework submission

- 1. review exercise: review of fiction and nonfiction material assigned by the tutor;
[due in autumn term]
- 2. essay: 3000+ words on a relevant subject chosen by the student in consultation with the tutor; a proposal document must be submitted and agreed.
[proposal due in autumn term; essay due in spring term]

Optional for: MA Library and Information Studies.
It may also be taken by students on other programmes such as the MSc Information Studies, by arrangement. Students registered for other options may sit in on this module by agreement with the tutor, but must be prepared to join in with all non-assessed groupwork, class exercises and discussions. This module is also available for short course students.

Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for this module, but students are expected to join in with groupwork,class exercises and with reading discussions.

Taught by: Lucy Gildersleeves.