Day 3

Wednesday's program was nicely planned. In the morning we went to Social Sciences Library to learn something about how information literacy education takes place in Bergen University, taught by the library. I'm not personally doing any education at my library, so this wasn't really my cup of tea - still interesting. Three persons of the library staff shared their thoughts on this somewhat disputed issue, especially how should the libraries arrange the education. We also tried to find answers by working in groups.

The ultimate goal in Bergen University Library is to embed IL education across the curricula. They also have a library teaching committee for this purpose. Surprisingly, 30 per cent of their staff (i.e. 30 persons out of 100) is doing some kind of information literacy education at the university. Compared to Finland, and to other countries I learned, the number is rather high.

They also have an online course named Search & Write, in which virtual students keep diary on IL related things as a guidance for real students. Very fascinating idea. See more at http://www.sokogskriv.no/english/

All in all, our Norwegian associates seem to deal with same difficulties in IL education as in other countries. There never seem to be enough time provided for the education, but still almost all students would need some sort of guidance, at least when they start to write their theses.

Rest of the day we heard about the student democracy in Norway, and one question was that whether libraries should be open 24/7, or at least some of the library premises. What I heard is that this is also a hot potato in UK, maybe in Finland too some of these days.

Lastly we visited the student house called Det Akademiska Kvarter. It was a really nice building and full of versatile program throughout the academic year. Every floor had at least one bar, so I can imagine the students like it too! Website http://kvarteret.no/

Later on we will have a complementary dinner at the city, should be nice!