E‐learning model for Polish libraries: BIBWEB
| Pages | 80-89 |
| Published date | 20 February 2007 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470710729137 |
| Date | 20 February 2007 |
| Author | Bożena Bednarek‐Michalska,Anna Wołodko |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
E-learning model for Polish
libraries: BIBWEB
Boz
˙ena Bednarek-Michalska
Torun
´University Library, Torun
´, Poland, and
Anna Wołodko
Warsaw University Library, Warsaw, Poland
Abstract
Purpose – This article aims to describe the important role of e-learning in Poland and to cover
experiences in transferring and localising the course, know-how about how to find strategic partners
and establishing a sound infrastructure for e-learning, and guidelines as to how to get and use
feedback from learners to continuously improve the quality of the course.
Design/methodology/approach – The article describes the situation in the Polish library world
and the process of implementation and conducting the BIBWEB online course for librarians. It also
relates to how the course improves information literacy.
Findings – Libraries in Poland can considerably strengthen their role as an element of the
information and knowledge society by expanding their offers regarding internet access and e-learning.
The situation in Germany in 1999 was comparable with the current situation in Poland. As a reaction
to this, the Bertelsmann Foundation initiated an online course offer comprising three modules:
“BIBWEB – internettraining for libraries” (see www.bibweb.de), which met with great acceptance in
Germany. For this reason, it made sense to translate the existing successful course product and adapt
it to the special requirements of libraries in Poland. The Bertelsmann Foundation and its two project
partners, the Warsaw University Library and the “Elektroniczna Biblioteka” (EBIB) library
information service, have jointly developed such a Polish-language online course (see www.bibweb.pl)
and have offered it on the internet to the specialist target group since 2003.
Originality/value – This paper shows the benefits of an international educational project. Polish
experiences concerning e-learning may be useful for other nations.
Keywords E-learning, Library instruction,Training methods, Poland
Paper type Case study
Introduction
E-learning, remote training, distance education – all these trendy yet unfamiliar
expressions have recently entered the Polish library world. Librarians gradually
become accustomed to them as they offer a new, enthralling quality. However , these
concepts can be fully understood only when one experiences the processes they
describe. Continuing education via distance learning has been known and available for
some time but the development of technologies has enforced changes not only in tools
but also in the content and methodology of distance education.
The European Union and Polish Government have been recommending e-learn ing
as a new methodology for continuing education and qualification upgrade programs.
Details of e-learning are discussed in “Strategia rozwoju szkolnictwa wyz
˙szego w
Polsce do roku 2010” (“The strategy for expanding higher education in Poland by
2010”) (Polish Ministry of Education and Science, 2005). E-learning in Poland has been
gaining popularity not only among education and training companies but also state
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
EL
25,1
80
Received 4 January 2006
Revised 4 March 2006
Accepted 7 March 2006
The Electronic Library
Vol. 25 No. 1, 2007
pp. 80-89
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470710729137
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