Support for Distance Learning

Today's online world means academic libraries must now provision resources and services for students at a distance. To overcome the challenges innovative concepts are being put-forth and best practices are beginning to emerge. Three areas libraries are focusing on include:

Digital Libraries - This refers to the shift from print to electronic as well as a greater role in content management for online learning systems.

Digital Reference Services- These services are currently being offered through both asynchronous such as email and synchronous such as web-conferencing and virtual worlds.

Embedded Librarian - This concept refers to the practice of librarians participating in and providing assistance through discussion boards within course-ware sites.

Please check out the resources provided on this page. A summary of this week's topic and a bibliography are attached at the bottom. Discussion questions are also included below.

Discussion Questionsand Exerise

1) The article from Sharifabadi provides an ambitious recommendation for libraries. What role do you think librarians should have in evaluating and creating content for online learning systems such as Blackboard?

2) Describe a best practice in libraries providing support for distance learning and provide a link to a library exemplifying that practice.

3) Identify a resource relevant to this weeks topic and add the item to the list below.