E-library system: Training to provide greater insight

THE training programme on the e-library system for librarians is designed not only to give them insights into the new concept, but also to provide them room for improvement, member of Brunei Library Association said yesterday.

"Some librarians still don't know how to utilise the e-resources yet so these programmes will help them to be more up to par with recent library resources,"said Hjh Norleha Hj Mat Yasin, the association's assistant secretary during a training session on the introduction to Library Automation module for some 20 librarians yesterday. The training was facilitated by Hj Mohd Yusof POKID Dato Paduka Hj Musa, a member of the association.

She said that session was a continuation of modules that began in March 2010. The participants would be required to attend another two library to enable them to be formally certified as librarians who are well-versed in e-library services. "The module on library automation leans more towards how to access online resources, mostly electronic resources because of its increasing trend lately," she said.

She added: "Some of our students are still unfamiliar on the accessibility of e-journals and our intention is to make sure that the staff themselves know how to access these e-resources".

These modules, she said would help in government projects such as building better national libraries, school libraries and even village libraries.

"For the village libraries, one or two students are from Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College and they are in charge of their village libraries and we are helping them during this course," she said.

She said during the introduction session, she noted that the participantswere "still struggling" with how to use e-resources and how to begin.

All the participants have library backgrounds and come from government sectors which include from the Mosque Affairs Department, and even a washer from Suri Begawan Hospital in Kuala Belait.

Hjh Norleha also disclosed that there will be more programmes set up in the future to ensure that librarians are in line with the best library practices.

She said that the training programme is open to all who have knowledge on library management, but acceptance is on first come first serve basis as there is a shortage of space.

The Brunei Times