Abstract
The role of collections and collection development with regard to information literacy cannot be ignored. Collections are depicting knowledge and information as well as research and research patterns. These collections must be examined, revealed, and advocated for educational, recreational, cultural, and academic reasons. Information literacy refers to the awareness of information that is captured in collections; knowing where, when, and how to find it; understanding the volume of information needed; and establishing the level of sophistication of the information. Information literacy is also the ability to determine why and when information is important, how it should be applied, who can obtain it, which audience will benefit from it, and which person or institution can be approached in endeavors to obtain it.
TopProblem Statement
A collection often ignored and never associated with Courtenay-Latimer is the library collection of East London Museum (hereafter Library). Courtenay-Latimer had a threefold influence on this collection:
- 1)
As the first curator (this position was later changed to director) of the Museum she was responsible for the first collection of books for the Museum. These books were incorporated in the library collection (Jewett, 2004; Smith, 1965).
- 2)
She also had an intellectual contribution to the collection by means of her research and research papers that are found in it. Numerous researchers that are based at universities and other research institutions in South Africa and globally, had, over the years, cited her contributions (Cole, 2015).
- 3)
Courtenay-Latimer was also a generous donor and donated books that she received as gifts to the library. Although reference is made to articles that Courtenay-Latimer wrote (Bursey, 2000), her contribution to the scientific community that is found in the library needs to be exposed.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Information Literacy: The awareness, analysis, and use of information in all its forms and formats; the ability to be involve in active self-directed independent life-long learning.
East London Museum: A province-aided museum in East London, South Africa. Core holdings of this museum include natural history collections such as Mammalia, Malacology, Reptilia, Ornithology, Pisces and Botany. The Humanities (cultural and human history collections) includes beadwork, shipwrecks, German and British Settlers, The Southern Nguni and the San-Bushman.
Coelacanth: A fish that was discovered by Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer in 1938. This fish has a phenomenal bibliography of over 6 000 records.
Museum: A private or public institution that collects, preserves, interprets and display cultural or natural objects that are of historical, aesthetic, or scientific importance.
Mind mapping: Concept development.
Gately House: A historic museum that is administered by East London Museum.
Collection: The purposeful accumulation of natural and cultural objects for posterity, display, research, education, and entertainment to the public and scientists.