T Level students carry out research into local library services

Our T Level Management and Administration: Team Leadership and Management students have carried out research with members of the public and shared their findings on library use with North Walsham Library. 

The practical research project gave the 2nd year students the opportunity to apply key knowledge, skills, and behaviours they have learnt and practiced on the course.  

The leadership project required the students to work effectively as individuals and as part of a team and to put into practice the management skills they have developed in the classroom and through their industry placements.  

The purpose of the research was to identify strengths and areas of development in the library’s services and to present these to the library manager.  

The students compared the services available in North Walsham to those offered at the Millennium Library in Norwich – visiting both and surveying the public.  

The findings were presented back to the library manager and key findings shared visually and verbally. The students’ research was also shared with the area manager and in a local community forum that included the college senior management and other businesses. 

As part of the project, the students also showcased Paston College to library users, sharing examples of student work and testimonials from fellow students. 

The students’ lecturer, Vanessa Woolston, said: 

This was the first time we have worked with North Walsham library and our T Level students were very professional in their interactions with members of the public and in presenting their findings to the library service managers.    

 

This project gave the students the opportunity to develop a range of skills including resilience, communication, active listening, and core research skills to create unbiased and valid data. It was a great experience which supports their assessment and which they can now draw on in future applications for jobs or for applying to higher education or apprenticeships.”  

Find out more about T Levels at Paston College

Part of the T Level students' display in North Walsham Library.