Welcome to the summer 2011 issue of Bibliotech; the print and online publication from Information Services. This will be the last issue from us as a converged department and I would like to thank all of our past contributors for their interesting and thought-provoking articles.
Our theme this time is obstacles to learning. Learning is not an easy flowing experience at the best of times; in fact by its very nature, it is disruptive and unsettling as we take on new ideas which, in turn, modify our perceptions and behaviour.
On top …

Fiona MacLellan, Academic Librarian, looks back at her transition to university
When we think about obstacles to learning it’s easy to stop at the more obvious issues, such as a learning difficulty or perhaps an illness or physical problem.  On a good day we might even consider long term mental health issues, however we often forget the shorter term issues.  In this article I will attempt to address some of what I think may affect students in their transition to university, and I also aim to make suggestions of ways of …

Gillian Siddall, Academic Librarian, looks at the debate over spoon-feeding in education
Few could miss the ongoing debate in the education sector about spoon-feeding, over-assessment and exams getting easier (Belfast Telegraph, 2009; BBC News, 2002).  Within Higher Education (HE) too, academics have been heard to complain that current undergraduate students are demanding that everything be given to them and that students are failing to become independent learners (Smith, 2008).  Some argue that this new dependence comes from the changing nature of secondary education, where teachers are forced to ‘teach to the …

Cleo Cameron, Acquisitions Assistant and PhD student, looks at the mature student experience
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. This Chinese proverb fundamentally sums up the learning experience for the majority of students of any age who engage with the learning process through their academic pursuits. However, while the majority do reap positive rewards from their experiences at University, there are those who come across obstacles that often taint and at times thwart their progress through student life.
Those 21+ are considered mature students and, more often than …

Joanne Farmer, Academic Librarian, highlights the experiences of international students and the Library
We often take for granted the simple things that make up our day, like doing the grocery shopping, reading a book, travelling to work or talking to a friend.  If we are in a place less familiar these things become more difficult. Imagine stepping out of your comfort zone for an entire year, travelling to a country where the first language is not your own, where cultural norms are different and family or friends are thousands of miles …

Jenny Spokes, Information Services Assistant, and volunteer for the University Speakeasy scheme
Jenny Spokes, Information Services Assistant and volunteer for the University Speakeasy scheme

1000 international students from 100 different countries come to study at the University of Northampton.  It’s difficult to imagine what it’s like to go and study somewhere where the culture and in particular the language is so different.  The allure of studying in the UK must outweigh any concerns that international students  have about coming here.
We provide our international students with a host of information sources to help them …

Alison Brook and Joanne Farmer examine those technical obstacles to learning, which can be so frustrating to our students and staff
Technology has always had a place in universities, but it is now so pervasive that we often take it for granted until it is not available or stops working.   A lack of access to appropriate technology can be a frustrating obstacle for both students and staff alike and having physical access to a computer is a top priority.   Even though many students have their own laptops nowadays, there has been …