Mind the Gap! Making the Leap to Reach Distance Students Through On-Campus Events

Abstract

When a mid-sized library at a private university held its first robust research-support event, a huge portion of the student body was noticeably absent – the distance population. The ACRL Standards for Distance Learning Library Services affirms that distance learners are entitled to the same services and resources as on-campus learners. This means that “service excellence in distance librarianship” should include conducting outreach programs for distance learners that parallels outreach programs for on-campus learners. This case study tracks the process of rethinking an on-campus event to incorporate distance learners. It is designed to communicate how a shift in thinking can create opportunities for outreach experiences by transforming existing events and/or extending programs the first time they are made available.