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ISSN 1039-3498 | no. 55 | February 2002


Electronic Resources Training

Training of staff and patrons alike in the confident use of databases is a crucial precondition for their successful application in libraries.' (Williamson et al., p.174) (1)

Electronic resources in the form of online reference databases are steadily on the increase. However, these valuable resources, which often contain a good proportion of full-text information, are frequently buried deep in our catalogues and web sites. There is a danger that the resources will be under utilised, and their potential unrealised by the majority of users.

There seems to be general agreement that the two-pronged approach of training and marketing is the best way to promote the use of these resources. This is supported by studies such as Kirsty Williamson et al. (1), and Chris Armstrong et al. (2)

Information Services staff at the National Library of Australia have taken on the challenge to improve access to our electronic databases, by providing training for the public in what we have called our 'e-resource tutorials'. The literature, as well as common sense, suggests that hands-on training achieves the best outcomes, and so a program was devised for monthly sessions where users could book to attend for an hour of practical instruction. The sessions began in August 2001, and have continued, with up to 16 people attending each of two sessions in the last week of the month.

Prof. Peter Libery and Oliver Raymond with Liz Matheson  
 
Jacki Keys conducting a training session at the Library

From left to right: Professor Peter Ilbery, Oliver Raymond in an e-resouce tutorial
with Liz Matheson Jacki Keys conducting a training session at the Library

Jacki Keys conducting a training session at the Libarry

Each session has featured a different resource, such as Australian Public Affairs Full Text, Health & Wellness Resource Center, Business Who's Who of Australia and Jobson's Online, Grove Music and the Biography Resource Center. Vendors for these resources have been very accommodating, allowing the Library to obtain more concurrent user logins for the days on which the training is to be held.

The training team consists of Jacki Keys, Electronic Resources Coordinator, Liz Matheson and Julie Ward. The team coordinates all aspects of the training and promotion, including preparation of tutorial content, documentation and presentation. Other staff assist if tutorials are heavily booked.

Advertising is achieved through our web site, the print media, discussion lists, in-house client lists and university departments and associations targeted according to the subject emphasis.

The team will be monitoring usage statistics to get a feel for the effectiveness of the program, and have also devised feedback forms to ascertain from participants how the sessions can be improved. The formal feedback from participants thus far has been extremely favourable, and the program is set to continue in 2002. The Electronic Resources team are excited about the prospect of continuing, and look forward to providing training to Library users in 2002. Further information is available on the Library's web site at www.nla.gov.au/pathways/feature.html and www.nla.gov.au/pathways/trials.html
—Jacki Keys

(1). Kirsty Williamson et al. (2001) 'Trialling online database resources in public libraries: issues for reference staff', Melbourne: Revelling in Reference, Australian Library and Information Association, Reference and Information Service Section 2001 Symposium, 171-177.

(2). Chris Armstrong et al. (2001) 'A study of the use of electronic information systems by higher educations students in the UK', Program, v.35, no.3, 241-262.

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Please address any comments and enquiries to The Editor, Gateways: dthomas@nla.gov.au

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