Information Needs of Refugees: A Case Study of a Refugee Group Learning English in a Further Education College

Abstract

A great deal has been discussed among librarians and teaching staff concerning the needs of a group of refugees/immigrants to acquire information skills in a further education college where this group takes ESOL classes. There is not doubt from both parties that the acquisition of these skills is crucial for their integration into society. Nevertheless, the cause of the argument is about how these skills should be delivered and by whom. Traditionally, teachers have taken these groups once a week to the Learning Centre (LC) and deliver a class as part of the curriculum. However, no special treatment has been offered to these groups from librarians. During the last year, this situation has raised concern among librarians, as this may not be the most beneficial way for these students to acquire such skills. It has been observed that most students would go to the LC during that class but would not go back again until the following class. It has been noticed by library staff that these students would approach librarians only if asked to do so by the teacher. Many of them would only go to the library during this lesson to borrow or return books and not at any other time. This situation has led to a debate between the ESOL tutors and the library staff. While the first argue that students benefit more if they have an information skills session with the teacher, librarians disagree by arguing that if the students have this sessions on their own and with the help of the librarians, they are more likely to use the library for their independent study, and therefore, to become independent learners. As a result, a new programme has been launched on a trial basis in which ESOL teachers and library staff will work closely. The workshop will take place in a classroom and will be delivered by the teacher. Then students will be sent in small groups to the LC to complete a part of the research booklet designed for this purpose. Once in the library, they are the responsibility of the librarians.