Deploying a WordPress-based learning object repository to scale up instruction and effect a culture of sharing

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an academic library’s successful implementation of a WordPress-based learning object repository (LOR) that facilitates widespread sharing of learning objects, allowing librarians to save prep time and to scale up the library instruction program. Both practical and technical implications of using WordPress software as a repository platform are discussed.Design/methodology/approachWordPress is free, open-source software that may be used as a platform for an LOR. By using WordPress software to create a public index of content hosted on a server, the library created an LOR that features a record for each learning object which contains metadata about the object’s format, content and accessibility. The WordPress platform/repository is also expandable, through additional free and paid plug-ins, to function as a simple learning management system that may also issue badges.FindingsAs a result of implementing an LOR, librarians save time prepping for classes by reusing or adapting their colleagues’ work, librarians are able to offer tutorials to online students and the repository also serves as a showcase for the library instruction program.Originality/valueMany academic libraries are feeling increased pressure to scale up library instruction and serve more online students. This paper illustrates a case study of how one library uses an easy-to-implement and low-budget LOR to make progress toward these goals.