Schools of librarianship and continuing education in Britain: part two.

Abstract

The schools have also been providing courses tailored to the requirements of individual libraries, training cooperatives, and professional groups, usually for a fee. In 1970 Leeds Polytechnic initiated its on-site course program to assist Hull City Libraries with its in-service training program, and between 1970 and 1980 Leeds provided twenty-five on-site courses for libraries in its region. Liverpool and Newcastle Polytechnics also have been involved in providing on-site courses. The College of Librarianship Wales began to offer a similar service at much the same time. Recognizing the support it receives from the profession (e.g., in arranging field work and study tours for its students) and the benefits to its staff of being in regular contact with professional practice, the College decided not to charge a fee and asks only for the travelling expenses of the staff involved. In the last ten years the College has provided eighty-three on-site courses for libraries throughout Britain. It has made a particularly significant contribution to stimulating the development of training in Wales. In a recent survey, one Welsh public library system reported that 50 percent of its in-service training activities included an element of support by the College's staff.