Training in teamwork for students of Library and Information Studies

Abstract

Team skills are increasingly important for library and information work. This paper outlines the objectives and components of a team building programme and assessed team project which are undertaken in the final year of the BA in Information Studies at Leeds Metropolitan University. It also reports on an evaluation of these exercises in the second year of operation. The evaluation suggests that the approach was fairly successful, although more effective in developing project management skills than interpersonal skills. A concluding discussion examines the implications of the method of selecting students for teams, the reasons for some of the learning outcomes and the reliability of the method of evaluation.