Keywords
Academic Literacy, University Library, Writing in Higher Education, Internationalisation, Parallel Language, Multilingualism, Diversity in Higher Education
Description
The main task of a university library is to serve the teaching, learning and research needs of staff and students in higher education. However, the lecturers, students and researchers need more than a collection of sources of information provided by librarians. Globalisation in general and the universities' internationalisation policy have led to a large international researcher and student population and thus increased requirements when it comes to language proficiency, intercultural competence and teaching and learning in a multicultural environment. As a result of internationalisation and the principle of widening participation, the student population has become more heterogeneous. In 2016, the participation rate for Norwegian students (age range 19-24) in higher education in Norway was 35.1%. The Centre for Academic Language and Practice is located in the University Library at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University. The centre’s mission is to contribute to the quality of education and professional development by increasing the academic literacy of staff and students. Academic literacy is defined as receptive and productive skills to participate, learn, guide, teach and publish in an academic context. The Centre for Academic Language and Practice offers linguistic and pedagogical support and conducts research in the fields of academic literacy and pedagogy targeting students in higher education. This paper will look into the history and the portfolio of the Centre for Academic Language and Practice and illustrate why its competence and type of work belongs in a university library.
Why a Unit for Academic Language and Practice Should be a Part of a University
The main task of a university library is to serve the teaching, learning and research needs of staff and students in higher education. However, the lecturers, students and researchers need more than a collection of sources of information provided by librarians. Globalisation in general and the universities' internationalisation policy have led to a large international researcher and student population and thus increased requirements when it comes to language proficiency, intercultural competence and teaching and learning in a multicultural environment. As a result of internationalisation and the principle of widening participation, the student population has become more heterogeneous. In 2016, the participation rate for Norwegian students (age range 19-24) in higher education in Norway was 35.1%. The Centre for Academic Language and Practice is located in the University Library at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University. The centre’s mission is to contribute to the quality of education and professional development by increasing the academic literacy of staff and students. Academic literacy is defined as receptive and productive skills to participate, learn, guide, teach and publish in an academic context. The Centre for Academic Language and Practice offers linguistic and pedagogical support and conducts research in the fields of academic literacy and pedagogy targeting students in higher education. This paper will look into the history and the portfolio of the Centre for Academic Language and Practice and illustrate why its competence and type of work belongs in a university library.