Defence library service helps students become independent researchers
...despite limited space, the library has managed to cater for the information needs of over 600 students this year...

Librarian Antonita Jukiel at work in the Creswell library with another satisfied customer. Antonita is the full-time Librarian at Creswell.

The Naval College at HMAS Creswell is a prestigious learning institution responsible for the training of all Navy new entry officers.

Established in 1913, it is also the centre of learning for advanced leadership and management education for all junior officers and senior sailors, when students are required to undertake research and complete written assignments.

Defence Library Service (DLS) staff at HMAS Creswell work closely with students and staff to support the information and research needs of both groups.

The library is housed in a heritage building and, despite limited space, has managed to cater for the information needs of over 600 students this year.

According to library manager, Julia Birmingham, it is not uncommon to have groups of 30 students in the library at any one time.

The library houses a specialised collection of books, videos, CD-ROMS and DVDs built around the subjects covered in the courses delivered at the college. There are six networked computers providing access to the Defweb and online library services. Two standalone computers have Internet access for those students without Defence logins who need to maintain contact outside the college.

Introduction to the library starts during students’ initial induction. Library staff lead them through the various services during an hour-long presentation and tour of the library. Students are expected to become independent researchers and are shown how to use the catalogue and the DLS portal. The portal is the platform for DLS’s electronic products including databases, news, e-journals and virtual reference tools. The portal also acts as an entry point for many internet resources

Library staff have compiled folders of photocopied journal articles and book extracts on particular topics from the curriculum. Library staff liaise with lecturers to maintain currency with course topic. They also work with college staff to keep the library collection up to date, purchasing new publications at lecturers’ requests and sharing information about what is new in the fields covered in the courses.

If you would like more information on DLS services, please contact your local Defence library, or the National DLS Helpdesk on 133 139, or e-mail library@defence.gov.au. The DLS portal can be found at http://library.dcb.defence.gov.au.

• By Julia Birmingham
  & Donna Vaughan

 

.