Manukau's First Learning Centre Opens At Papatoetoe

Manukau’s first library learning centre ‘learn.net, ako.kupenga’ will be officially opened by Mayor Sir Barry Curtis on Thursday 5 June at Papatoetoe Library.

Learn.net is a dedicated space within the library that combines study facilities, Internet access, computer software packages, online reference and learning tools as well as assistance from skilled library staff.

" Learn.nets are a new concept for Manukau in the way people learn within a library. They aim to make a key difference in achieving the city's education and knowledge goals.
Learn.nets are part of Council's strategy to increase flexibility in the ways that library services are offered and provide new learning opportunities for individuals, students and community groups," says Sir Barry.

"Information technology has a critical role to play in helping people access the increasing array of online resources and services. Learn.nets offer that opportunity, along with specially trained staff who can teach people how to become more skilled in finding the information they need."

A new information literacy programme has been developed by Manukau Libraries staff which can be run through learn.nets. The programme is based on the Big Six, the most widely used information literacy model in the New Zealand education field.

"Learn it, Find it is about providing a customised learning approach for our customers. It will teach people the skills to locate, extract and access information that you need, the way you want to," explains Kelly McKean Education & Literacy Co-ordinator.

"It has different skill levels and areas of learning such as effective internet searching, finding information from electronic databases and how to use the library catalogue."

"Staff at Papatoetoe Library are very excited about having the first learn.net at Papatoetoe," says Theo ter Borg, Library Manager and Project Co-ordinator for the Library Learning Centres Project. "The space has been specifically designed with comfortable seating, bright colours and the latest technology. This will be a real asset to the Papatoetoe community." The next learn.nets will be incorporated into the Manurewa and Mangere Bridge libraries over the coming months. Eventually learn.nets will be in libraries across the city.

Learn.net can also be accessed in a virtual environment through www.learnnet.co.nz and aims to create the same environment of interaction, information and expertise.

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