Embedding library in study structure

Abstract

In Europe, the Bologna process aims at the harmonisation of the structure of higher education in order to facilitate mobility. In the context of engineering education, the trans-national recognition of engineering degrees, academically and professionally, is a primary goal. In Finland, the two-cycle degree structure to be adopted in the Bologna process will introduce the Bachelor's degree to supplement the Master's degree in university engineering education. At TKK, Helsinki University of Technology, the planning for the new two-cycle degree structure started in 2003 and the first students to study according to the new model were enrolled in autumn 2005.

This paper will discuss the recent initiatives of the TKK library in conjunction with the degree structure reform at the university. The paper will highlight the experiences concerning the integration of an information literacy program into the seminar of the Bachelor's thesis. The paper will also describe in more detail the co-operation and collaboration of different actors participating in the realisation of the Bachelor's thesis and seminar. The scalability of the program has been important because some 1500 engineering students annually will be taking the degree. In this respect, pilot courses have been carried out and the scalability has been evaluated. Plans for further development of the program will be included in the presentation.