Best Practices for Delivering Library Services to Online Students

BEST PRACTICES FOR DELIVERING LIBRARY SERVICES

TO ONLINE STUDENTS

Michael L. PorterMay 25, 2010

American University Library

What Are Best Practices?

Peer-Reviewed

Communicate Desired Results

Why Use Best Practices?

DISCUSSION GROUPS

SUBMIT ASSIGNMENTS

WEB CONFERENCE

WEB SOURCES

QUIZZES

What is Online Learning?

Computer-Facilitated Learning

INSTRUCTION

SERVICES

ACCESS

Areas of Best Practices

ACCESSDegree-granting institution is responsible

for facilitating convenient, direct access to library resources, in appropriate formats, of

equivalent quality, as provided for in a traditional campus setting.

American Library AssociationStandards for Distance Learning

Library Services Adopted July 1, 2008

Acquisitions

Recommended Best Practice:

Purchase electronic and digital material as a “first option” when available.

NetLibrary MyiLibrary

Provide simultaneous use of electronic and digital materials to facilitate greater online usage and access.

Regular and consistent funding for library resources and services to all online students regardless of location or learning mode.

Systems


When possible accommodate students with varying levels of technological access (i.e., low bandwidth, web browsers).

Google Analytics

Facilitate direct integrated access to resources via the course management software (CMS).

Bb Building Block (Link Maker)

Configure library systems, applications and URLs for single sign-on access.

Bb Building Block (EZProxy)

Providing for technical linkages and connectivity between the library, online students and vendor resources.

INSTRUCTION Degree-granting institution is responsible for providing personnel and or instructional materials to address the informational needs of online students.



Human AccessProvide personnel to respond to online students in real-time, directly, regardless of location.


Provide instructional access within the online learning environment. Web Conferencing

ElluminateWimba

Chat

Provide instructional access via the telephone. Toll-free number

Self-Paced Provide instructional content that can be delivered over the Web, using a browser for anytime, anywhere, self-paced accessibility.


Provide web-based instructional that is Flash-based.

Demonstrations - Camtasia Animations - Flash Simulations - Captivate Lectures - Articulate Studio

Provide instructional content in downloadable, portable formats that compliment online learning.

pdf swf mpeg wmv mp3

Information Literacy Provide structured student-centered instructional program through which information literacy skills can be obtained and developed.


Create a online credit, pass/fail course or module.

Blackboard module / lesson

Create a web-based credit, pass/fail course or module.

Articulate Studio Adobe Captivate

SERVICESDegree-granting institution must provide

sufficient facilities, equipment, communication tools and informational

services in formats accessible to the greatest number of users.



ReferenceProvide informational content that ensures optimal user access, supports curriculum needs and enriches academic programs.


Provide students with web-based, course or program specific content.

LibGuidesCourse pagesUser guides

Conduct periodic evaluations to gather feedback concerning instructional needs.

SurveysInterviews

Participate in the curriculum development process and course planning.

DatabasesProvide access to resources equivalent to those provided in traditional settings in order to meet the online students’ needs in fulfilling course assignments.


Provide reliable, rapid, comparable access to online research resources.

Access to information providers should be facilitated through the course management software.

Authentication to databases should be facilitated through the course management software.

Single Sign-On (EZProxy Building Block) Campus Portal

E-ReservesProvide access to teaching materials at the point of learning in accordance with copyright and fair-use policies.


Provide documents in a printable format. Adobe Reader (pdf)

Provide direct access to E-Reserves via the course management software (CMS).

Docutek ERes (Bb Building Block) Ares (Bb Building Block)

Document DeliveryProvide mechanism that facilitates the requests for full-text resources through a self-serve application as well as automated requests via link resolvers.


Facilitate ILL requests via the course management software.

Embedded link to request form. Electronic delivery system (ILLiad)

If request cannot be filled, provide a prompt response with stated reason.

Provide students with an estimated time for delivery of materials.

Provide the ability to check the status of requests.

Provide notification of completed requests.

Provide students with access to your copyright and fair-use policy. (*)

Interlibrary LoanProvide prompt delivery of items requested from other institutions through courier agreements.


Facilitate ILL requests via the course management software.

Embedded link to request form. Electronic delivery system (ILLiad)

If request cannot be filled, provide a prompt response with stated reason.

Establish student-guest access privileges with other libraries. (*)

Provide the ability to check the status of requests.

Provide notification of completed requests.

Provide students with access to your borrowing policy. (*)

Conclusion

- 2006 survey by Gardner Industry Research indicated that “many traditional institutions were requiring faculty to use course management software to post content, conduct assessments and facilitate course discussions”.

-Students and faculty should have the ability to access appropriate resources and services and complete research assignments without having to leave their online course.

- 2006 ECAR Study of Undergraduate and Information Technology “found that ¾ of (28,700) of undergraduates use CMS, most using it several times a week”.-“Course management software providers do not include the Library as an essential curricular component in their design”.

Questions…

References American Library Association (2008). Standards for Distance Learning Library Services. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from

Washburn, A. (2008). Finding the library in Blackboard: An assessment of library integration. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 4(3), 301-316.

Buehler, M.A. (2004). Where is the library in course management software? Journal of

Library Administration, 41(1/2), 75-84. EduCause (2006). ECAR Study of Undergraduate and Information Technology. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ers0607/ERS0607w.pdfEduCause (2006). Faculty Use of Course Management Systems. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/EKF/Ekf0607.pdf

Zastrocky, M., Marti, H., Jan-Martin, L. (2008). E-Learning for higher education: Course Management Systems. Gartner Industry Research ID # G00125522. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from http://www.gartner.edu

http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ers0607/ERS0607w.pdf



http://www.gartner.edu/