Introduction

LASSIE (Libraries and Social Software in Education) is funded by the Centre for Distance Education, University of London, UK, and runs from March to December 2007. Led by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the Institute of Education, its project partners also include the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the University of London Research Library Services and the Open University Library. Colleagues at LSE represent the Library, the Centre for Learning Technology and LSE Archives.

LASSIE is exploring how ‘social software’ (or ‘Web 2.0’, see below) might enhance the use of library services by distance learners. The project addresses two concerns. First, University of London External Programme students do not make full use of electronic library resources; the reasons for this are varied, including a low awareness of how to access library resources and information literacy issues. Second, LASSIE provides an opportunity to explore how social software is affecting libraries and their services. The project will gather empirical evidence about which technologies enhance the experience of students, specifically distance learners, and those which are less valuable. The project also provides advice for the wider library community.

Another important element in the project is to examine the role of libraries as a social space. LASSIE recognizes that physical libraries have changed considerably over the last ten years, to reflect changes in the nature of education. The importance of collaboration, group work and communication in teaching and learning are widely recognized and libraries are being built as key learning spaces to reflect this shift. LASSIE is therefore interested in how virtual libraries might become more social. This paper is largely based on the literature review completed in July 2007.

Project overview

The research for LASSIE to date has primarily been gathered through a review of the literature, focusing on three key areas: