Abstract
In the last fifteen years, there has been an increase in the implementation of distance education programs in colleges and universities. The challenge for academic libraries will be to create working models of library support for distance learners that are both economically sustainable, and qualitatively equitable to the support given to on-campus students. The author suggests that training in advanced web computing and educational technologies must begin in the graduate study of library and information science to help offset the training costs for academic libraries. One solution might include utilizing networks of distance students to create business and other partnerships as a method to attract funding. This article considers recent literature on the financial stakes of providing library services to distance learners.
Highlights
In October of 2011, the U.S Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics reported the following: “From 2000 to 2008, the percentage of undergraduates enrolled in at least one distance education class expanded from 8 percent to 20 percent” (Radford & Weko, 2011, p. 3)
Willis (2009) offer a working description of how distance education students may differ from on–campus students: “Students who participated in distance education are typically older, nontraditional students with unique characteristics who need special services provided by their university library in order to obtain an education equal to their on–campus counterparts” (p. 20)
The results proved to be enormously successful: “The initial participation of Himmelfarb librarians in distance education classes began with one librarian offering to become involved with a single class section; this endeavor has turned into six librarians embedded in numerous classes with multiple sections” (p. 32)
Summary
Academic Library Services to Distance Learners: In Consideration of Costs, Technology, and Stability. Christopher Diaz Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Follow this and additional works at: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj Part of the Library and Information Science Commons.
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