Encyclopaedia of Reference and Research Materials for Libraries and Educational Institutions (Reference Materials In Libraries)

Developing Lifelong Learners

Developing lifelong learners is central to the mission of higher education institutions. By ensuring that individuals have the intellectual abilities of reasoning and critical thinking and by helping them construct a framework for learning, colleges and universities provide the foundation for continued growth throughout their careers, as well as in their roles as informed citizens and members of communities. Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning. The present encyclopedia discusses the status, role, and the effectiveness of academic library systems in a changing world.