User orientation programmes are a fundamental component of a library's broader user education and information literacy initiatives. These programmes are designed to guide and instruct both new and potential users, making them aware of the library's value and enabling them to use its resources and services effectively.
The Role and Objectives of User Orientation
User orientation is the part of user education that focuses on acquainting users with the library's physical layout, organization, facilities, rules, and available services. A key objective is to create a friendly and welcoming environment where users feel confident that the library staff is competent and willing to help. This initial introduction is crucial for promoting the use of the library's collection and ensuring that users can make the best use of its resources without wasting time.
Libraries employ a variety of techniques, both traditional and modern, to deliver these orientation programmes.
Techniques for User Orientation Programmes
The sources describe several methods and media used for user orientation, which can be adapted for individual or group settings.
1. Study Tours (Guided Tours)
The guided tour is a traditional method commonly used to orient new users to the physical layout of the library.
- Purpose: It helps new users understand the library's physical, bibliographical, and conceptual arrangements.
- Process: A staff member leads a group of users through the library, pointing out key locations such as the circulation desk, reference section, stacks, and special collections.
- Limitations: This method can be a significant burden on staff time, especially in large institutions. Its effectiveness can also be limited if students have little motivation at the time of the tour.
- Alternatives: The sources suggest that more effective modern alternatives include self-paced printed or audio tours. These self-instructional materials allow users to explore the library at their own pace and often include practical exercises to reinforce learning.
2. Handbooks, Leaflets, and Brochures
Printed materials are a staple of user orientation, providing tangible information that users can take with them.
- Content: These guides typically contain information about the library's objectives, collections, location of different sections, hours of operation, general rules, and the range of services offered.
- Graphics and Signage: Well-planned signs and informational graphics are considered a basic but crucial method for providing orientation and direction within the library. A systematic approach uses different types of signs for orientation, direction, identification, and instruction.
- Format: They can take the form of comprehensive handbooks, multi-page brochures, or concise leaflets. They are a form of self-instructional material that supports user independence.
3. Newsletters
Newsletters serve as a communication tool to keep users informed about library activities and professional news.
- Purpose: In the context of orientation, newsletters can announce new services, highlight underutilized resources, publicize events like workshops, and generally promote the library's offerings.
- Dissemination: They are published periodically (e.g., monthly) and can be distributed in print or electronically to keep the user community abreast of the library's activities.
4. PowerPoint Presentations (Audio-Visual Methods)
The use of audio-visual media, such as PowerPoint presentations, tape/slide shows, and videos, is an effective orientation technique.
- Effectiveness: The sources note that methods combining sensory inputs (audio and visual) are likely to be more effective than those relying on a single communication channel.
- Application: Libraries may prepare audio-visual kits for orientation programmes. Video recordings, in particular, can create an atmosphere of reality and are suitable for audiences of different sizes.
- Advantages: These methods allow for careful preparation of material and can feature the best teachers, with the presentation being reusable for different groups.
5. Websites and Online Resources
The evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has fundamentally changed how libraries deliver user orientation, moving from a model where users must physically visit the library to one where "the library comes to you".
- The Library Website: A library's website serves as a primary, round-the-clock orientation tool. It can offer a virtual tour, detail services and resources, provide access to the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), and host digital versions of handbooks and guides. This allows users to familiarize themselves with the library from anywhere at any time.
- Online Education: Modern user education programmes now include instruction on how to use computer-based information retrieval systems, online databases, and other electronic resources. The library website is a key platform for delivering this instruction and promoting services.
- Web 2.0 Tools: The rise of collaborative and interactive web tools provides libraries with new avenues for outreach and orientation. Libraries can use blogs, wikis, and social networking platforms to communicate with users, announce services, provide help, and gather feedback, thereby creating a more engaging and user-centered orientation experience.