[540] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Competency standards and education for library/info work
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Christine.Goodacre@libstud.utas.ed)
Fri Jun 19 15:47:06 1992
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1992 10:19:20 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: Christine.Goodacre@libstud.utas.edu.au
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I am writing a paper on the design of first-qualification and
post-qualification courses in the area of technology. One of the issues
I've been asked to address is the effect of the competency-based approach
on courses. (Our fedeeal government is introducing this approach with
predictable reactions from universities who don't see it as applying to
cognitive skills areas).. I would appreciate comments and opinions on the
approach in general and on the following in particular:
1.if any of you are further down the track than us down-under is it really
possible to identify competencies for all knowledge, skills and attitude
areas in the library sector? Can you really deal with cognitive areas
using this approach? (I know of the work of J-M Griffiths, which is very
helpful in the area of developing competencies.) Our Government has
defined competencies very generally and I'm not sure they are very helpful
- most courses could claim to produce the competency outcomes for the
'using technology' strand.
2. assessment. It seems to me that the crunch comes when you try to assess
competencies. Are traditional assessment approaches adequate and if not,
what others have been developed?
3. even if you can assess competencies can you translate the acquisition of
a competence into performance in the workplace? If you can't the process
doesn't seem worthwhile.
Any arguements and experience for and against, particularly in the area of
technology in library and information science courses, would be
appreciated.
If you send responses to me I will summarise for the network given
sufficient interest.
Christine Goodacre Ph. (002) 202784 (W)
Senior Lecturer Fax (002) 202186
Dept. Library & Info. Studies
University of Tasmania
GPO Box 252C
HOBART TASMANIA
AUSTRALIA 7001
e-mail: Christine.Goodacre@libstud.utas.edu.au
