Information Services Newsletter
Assessing FE Library Resources

As part of the University’s general course validation process, and in preparation for the forthcoming QAA Collaborative Provision Audit in November 2006, the Library has been reviewing its current procedures for monitoring library provision in partner institutions. In completing this review, the Library took account of ‘good practice’ guidelines prepared by HEFCE for learning resource provision for franchised and other collaborative courses. These guidelines state that ‘the institution which designs the programme has ultimate responsibility for
ensuring that appropriate and adequate arrangements for library provision are in place’.

To satisfy this requirement, the Faculty of Business and Management, through the two Heads of Collaborative Courses, has been working closely with the Faculty Librarian to undertake an audit of library resources in each of our main partner institutions. Thirteen local FE Colleges have been identified and, to date, seven of these have been assessed. The remaining 6 libraries are to be visited over the coming months. As part of the audit process, an assessment is made of the range of information resources held including the number and currency of textbooks, journals taken and the availability of electronic resources where appropriate. The completed assessment
report contains comments on the level of provision and, if necessary, recommendations for any additional services or
resources needed. Where particular deficiencies are identified, follow-up visits to colleges will be timetabled for later next year. A copy of the report is sent to the College librarian, the HE Coordinator and to the appropriate Course Director.

Current University procedures, along with the relevant library documentation for conducting the assessments, are included in the annual publication ‘Guide to collaboration in the provision of programmes of study’.

Gerard McFall