E-Learning, e-Books and Virtual Reference Service: The Nexus Between the Library and Education

Abstract

The society relies on institutions of higher education to produce a literate workforce; one that is able to function in a dynamic, technological, information-overload environment. In support of this new thrust, most universities have incorporated the use of new media and ICTs in the teaching learning process resulting in a multi-modal approach (face-to-face, online and distance learning). As such, students are increasingly demanding resources and services that are not limited by time and place. Subsequently, academic libraries extend their services to meet the changing demands of the new cohort of learners. Through the use of electronic books that mirror the features and functions of the printed book and the capacity of the computer, librarians have bridged the gap between the academicians and the world of knowledge to further research and learning. Digital reference service extends the reference desk to the virtual environment to allow the reference librarian to meet the research needs of online users in real-time. These features have removed the barrier of the physical walls of the library and allow the librarian to maintain his/her role as instructors and evaluators of information and resources. This paper seeks to show how libraries have been using these two services to enhance teaching and learning. The paper further shows how students have been benefiting from them through their inclusion in the Mona Library of the University of the West Indies. Some of the learning theories that these services support will be explored along with some of the challenges.