Library as a Provider of Lifelong Education : e-Learning Programs Provided by Feng Chia University Library(Lifelong and Continuing Education in Libraries)

Abstract

The term "lifelong education" as an educational lexicon has appeared in English language literature for some decades. However, it has gained a renewed currency in the past ten years or so, the reason being that in the knowledge economy and information technology age it has become all the more important. All types of libraries, be they academic or public, have always had the mission of providing learning resources and offering information-seeking assistance. Therefore, they have naturally taken on the supporting role in the area of lifelong education. But, with their rich information resources, staff's professional competencies, advantageous locations, and alliances with the community of scholars, some libraries have taken one step further in transforming their role as supporter to that of provider of lifelong education. This paper will examine the background of this transformation, the work that is involved, and the impacts that it creates for the library and the wider community. Using Feng Chia University Library in Taiwan as a case study, this paper will profile its role as a provider of lifelong education in organizing and providing e-Learning programs. The success factors for its performing this role will also be outlined. With this detailed description and analysis, it is hoped that some other libraries may get to know the mechanics and logistics involved in providing lifelong education programs.