Fostering Library as a Place for Distance Students: Best Practices From Two Universities |
| |
| Authors: | Bryna Coonin Beth Filar Williams Heidi Steiner |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Joyner Library , East Carolina University , Greenville, NC, USA;2. Jackson Library , The University of North Carolina at Greensboro , Greensboro, NC, USA;3. Kreitzberg Library , Norwich University , Northfield, VT, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | The concept of library as a place is now in action in many academic libraries: from physical library spaces to Web presences. In the constantly growing market of online and distance learning, however, libraries must foster library as a place for students who may never set foot in the physical building. This article provides a profile of two universities serving two very different bodies of distance students as well as the challenges associated with these populations. These libraries work to provide services to distance students that cultivate the library as a place to go for learning, research, and support by focusing on six categories: access, environment, resources, instruction, availability at the point of need, and “being real.” Tangible examples and best practices are provided throughout. This article is based on a presentation given at the 15th National Conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries in Philadelphia in March 2011. |
| |
| Keywords: | distance learning distance students online learning distance education virtual reference |
|
|
