Pixel International Conferences

ABSTRACT

This paper presents an innovative concept and its accompanying methodology of teaching in the academic training of students - bachelors and masters, at the State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (SULSIT).  A special emphasis is the relationship of theoretical knowledge with the development of practical skills through integrating the educational process with the Laboratory of Library Technologies, Communications and Informing – LibLab, in the structure of the Library and Information Centre (BIC) of the University. LibLab’s goals and opportunities as an experience-based science and educational project are presented - a project, providing  working environment as  close to the real one as possible and directed towards knowledge management and "lifelong learning".

This project combines educational and scientific initiatives on key strategic directions of new perspectives in science education, such as: application of the latest technological solutions in library practice for the formation of information competencies in terms of global information environment;  demonstrating and testing innovative solutions, related to interactivity of electronic bibliographic resources; applying the '' learning by doing " method, where students test the theoretical knowledge they have acquired in a working environment as close to the real one as possible, and accumulate practical skills for various working processes, including a survey of the status of library collections, restoration and conservation of documents, bibliographic control and prevention.

LibLab’s activities in ICT application, including digitization as a priority in the scientific, educational and cultural policy of the European Union, are identified as an important component of science education in SULSIT. So far, experience from the realization of this educational project has shown that the friendly and attractive atmosphere is a powerful incentive for motivating both students and their tutors in the various scientific fields of university IT environment.

Keywords: science education project; educational Initiatives; ICT; library laboratory LibLab; knowledge management; lifelong learning; learning by doing.