Synopsis
Appearing simultaneously as Journal of Library Administration v.37, numbers 1/2 and 3/4 (2002), these 44 papers examine the challenges of providing library instruction and information access to off-campus students and suggests ways to solve them. The volume evaluates web sources, considers the librarian's perspective, emphasizes the importance of faculty cooperation, and analyzes the ways academic libraries design and provide content for distance learning Web sites. A case study draws lessons from the partnership between the University of Kansas and XanEdu. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:David A. Nolfi, MLS, AHIP(Duquesne University)
Description:This compilation of 44 contributed papers from the Tenth Off-Campus Library Services Conference held in April 2002 was simultaneously copublished as the Journal of Library Administration, Volume 27, Numbers 1/2 and 3/4 2002.
Purpose:The authors attempt to address issues pertinent to librarians supporting distance education programs including needs assessment, information literacy, resource selection, technology issues, and cooperative agreements. Case studies effectively illustrate libraries' efforts to apply the 2000 ACRL Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services in a diverse array of academic institutions ranging from community colleges to graduate programs.
Audience:The primary audience is librarians facing the challenges presented in supporting distance learners. Any librarian or administrator whose institution has joined the rush to distance education will find useful information in this book. The editor serves on ALA's Distance Learning Section Instruction Committee and as an "off-campus librarian" at distance education pioneer Central Michigan University. He and the contributing authors represent a preponderance of relevant experience.
Features:The book discusses ways libraries can provide equivalent services for distance learners such as document delivery options, negotiating with local libraries, and access to electronic resources. It examines reference methods including e-mail, toll free numbers, and virtual reference. Information literacy instruction poses a particular problem and the authors consider solutions such as closed circuit television, CUseeMe, courseware, interactive tutorials, and in-person sessions.
Assessment:Distance librarians should find this book to be a useful reference and worthy addition to their professional reading collections. Librarians inexperienced in distance learning support will find it to be an essential collection of practical solutions to common problems. Some discussions of technology such as proxy server hardware seem dated - a reflection not on the quality of this work but on the rapid pace of change in both technology and student expectations.