Learner and Contextual Analysis

Learners

The learners are graduate and undergraduate level college students ranging in age from 17-27. Both male and female students from Caucasian, African-American, and international backgrounds work in this department. The students come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, so both temporary and work-study students will be included. Technological skills vary from student to student, as does knowledge of the Library of Congress shelving system and a working library system. The learners typically have high moral standards and good work ethics, however, occasionally, some learners have not yet realized that a campus job is still a job: you have to report to work and do the work assigned.

Context

The learners will become familiar with the job duties and expecations associated with being a stacks students at Appalachian State University Belk Library and Information Commons. The context is the 3rd floor of the library, which contains the call numbers K-Z, A-Z oversize materials, 36 public computers and 1 public printer, Academic Computing Services for faculty and staff training, a digital media lab for all patrons, two reference librarians, and the stacks department. The majority of training will take place in the stacks workroom; however, learners will be expected to know the location of all departments and services available on the 3rd floor, and general knowledge of the remaining floors in the library.