Woolly beard or sharp business suit? The library as a crucible for the mixing of academia and the business community.

The article focuses on the development of a five-credit unit for the University Certificate in Professional Development (UPCD) programme at the De Montfort University (DMU) library services which aimed to combine work-based and electronic learning for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Leicester, England. It notes that the unit stresses on the formulation of business information research skills, practical application via case studies, working environment and student practice. It mentions that the program created a tension between the academia and business communities including their expectations on student engagement and time management. Moreover, it concludes that deviation in priorities and values must be recognized to facilitate a successful learning experience in both communities.