Milan, Italy

As part of the 75th IFLA General Conference and Assembly, the IFLA Education and Training Section is organising an open session on the role of libraries for lifelong learning using elearning tools.

Libraries are key to providing opportunities for adults to learn new literacy skills and helping people into education, training and employment within the framework of lifelong learning. Libraries have the potential to make a difference between a traditional system of formal education and a broader system of lifelong learning.

E-learning tools and e-learning strategies are becoming increasingly important to address the needs of the growing body of library users, including mature students eager to partake in formal education courses. The library can function as a study centre where the social aspects of learning can be supported.

This is particular true for the digital library which can offer access to quality assured documentation for studies via the Internet. As the volume of web information grows, the digital library becomes a central player in the modern world of education and information dissemination, to help both teaching staff and students structure their learning in a meaningful way so that they can share their understandings.

The Call for Papers invites potential authors to address the need for the creation of electronic networks between public libraries, research libraries, school libraries and special libraries so that lifelong e-learning can be realised for diverse library users. Consideration may also be given to the development of networks between public libraries and educational institutions and organisations, together with the education and training of library and information professionals to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to use information- and communication technology (ICT) to work in the context of lifelong learning.

The aim of the IFLA E-Learning Discussion Group Call for Papers is to explore the challenges and opportunities facing libraries if they are to play an increasingly active role in lifelong learning, using the e-learning tools that will ensure that librarians become significant partners in the education process.

For more information about the conference please visit:  http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla75/call-elearning-en.htm