Leadership and Learning Helping Libraries and Librarians Reach Their Potential

Lyndon Pugh's Practical Training Techniques speaks plainly and persuasively of the dynamic relationship between trainer and learner. It argues for the use of traditional training techniques based on classical ideas, describing a process that owes as much to Aristotle as to modern gurus such as Blanchard, Naisbitt and Tapscott. Traditional training, claims Pugh, is uniquely placed to meet the learning requirements of modern organizations, precisely because such organizations value on-site ongoing development over off-site just in time approaches. And while technology undoubtedly can improve the lot of trainers, as well as the efficiency of the learning process, belief in its efficacy as the primary channel for learning delivery is by no means universal.

Lyndon Pugh (M. Phil., Leeds Metropolitan) is a freelance consultant and trainer, and spent thirty years as a library manager and professional librarian. He was Director of Learning Resources at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff and managing editor of Ariadne, a parallel print and on-line journal