For the sixth year running Loughborough University (UK) will be hosting Meeting the Reading List Challenge. This free two-day event brings together librarians, developers and suppliers to discuss the issues around resource/reading lists.
A resource/reading list is a structured list of resources usually provided by an academic or tutor as part of a course of study. In the past these resources were mostly books and journal articles available from the institutional library or bookshop but now also include websites, blog posts and other forms of media. The lists can vary dramatically in size between disciplines with some hundreds of items long!
These lists are a key tool in supporting student learning, as they can provide both direction and guidance to those struggling to understand new concepts or those wanting further information to extend their knowledge of the subject. They are also an essential resource for libraries looking to best support their users with either print or electronic collections.
Meeting the Reading List Challenge draws anywhere from forty to eighty attendees with most staying for both days although attendance at just the first or second day is also possible. A free buffet lunch is provided on each of the days.
Although a programme for the upcoming event has yet to be drawn up, it is likely to contain a mixture of presentations from various institutions as well as group discussions and all important opportunities to network with other attendees. Past events have covered such perennial topics as academic engagement, student experience and collection development, and included case studies of institutions that have implemented either in-house or commercial solutions.
Suppliers of resource/reading lists systems and services are also likely to be in attendance and available to advise on their products.
The event is being held at the Pilkington Library which is located in the west park of the attractive Loughborough University campus right in the heart of England. Loughborough is an hour and a half train journey from London and just seven miles away from East Midlands Airport.
Registration for the event will open in mid-February but in the meantime you can check out more about past Meeting the Reading List Challenges at the event website http://blog.lboro.ac.uk/mtrlc
Meeting the Reading List Challenge takes place Tuesday 5th - Wednesday 6th April 2016, Loughborough University (UK).