Distributed Learning And Virtual Librarianship

Brought to you by a team of experienced practitioners in the field, this book examines the vast topic of library support for distributed learning, providing both historical and contemporary viewpoints. What is the best way to deliver research resources to students who live "off campus"—as in, "way off campus," in a rural area without a high-speed Internet connection? And where does one find a complete (and accurate) synopsis of copyright guidelines that will prevent well-intentioned librarians from being labeled as the "copyright police"? The answers to these two questions regarding distributed learning—and many more—are contained in Distributed Learning and Virtual Librarianship. Written by practitioners in their field of expertise, this book documents the history of distributed learning and discusses current issues in distributed learning librarianship, with a special focus on the role of technology. Topics covered include virtual libraries, reference assistance, E-reserves and document delivery, administrative and marketing issues, and copyright concerns. This text is valuable to librarians working in public, school, and academic libraries.

As the electronic era blurs the boundaries between conventional and distance education and between remote and in-person library users, the literature on library issues and distance learning has proliferated immensely. This work helps you keep abreast of the phenomenal changes taking place in the field of education and the issues they raise for libraries. Identifying and describing more than 750 works published since its precursor was completed in 1995, the book provides a comprehensive record of the current literature about distance and open learning in post-secondary education programs. The authors cover all types of materials from around the world, ranging from brief news items to major research reports and dissertations. In this edition, special emphasis is given to web-based distance education. Access is provided through four indexes-author, geographical, institution, and subject-and indexes are cumulative from the previous two bibliographies.

The Handbook of Distance Education, 4th Edition is a comprehensive compendium of research in the field of distance education. The volume is divided into four sections covering the historical and theoretical foundations of distance education, attributes of teaching and learning using technology, management and administration, and different audiences and providers. Throughout, leading scholars address future research needs and directions based on current research, established practices, and recent changes to implementation, pedagogy, and policy.

The field of distributed learning is constantly evolving. Online technology provides instructors with the flexibility to offer meaningful instruction to students who are at a distance or in some cases right on campus, but still unable to be physically present in the classroom. This dynamic environment challenges librarians to monitor, learn, adapt, collaborate, and use new technological advances in order to make the best use of techniques to engage students and improve learning outcomes and success rates. Distributed Learning provides evidence based information on a variety of issues, surrounding online teaching and learning from the perspective of librarians. Includes extensive literature search on distributed learning Provides pedagogy, developing content, and technology by librarians Shows the importance of collaboration and buy-in from all parties involved

"This volume will appeal to a wide array of readers, from novices to those already working in the field. Recommended for all collections." --CHOICE "Reference literature has been hard put to keep pace with its (distance learning) changes so the appearance of an Encyclopedia is most welcome. Recommended for academic and public libraries." --LIBRARY JOURNAL In today′s fast-paced world, with multiple demands on time and resources as well as pressures for career advancement and productivity, self-directed learning is an increasingly popular and practical alternative in continuing education. The Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning defines and applies the best practices of contemporary continuing education designed for adults in corporate settings, Open University settings, graduate coursework, and in similar learning environments. Written for a wide audience in the distance and continuing education field, the Encyclopedia is a valuable resource for deans and administrators at universities and colleges, reference librarians in academic and public institutions, HR officials involved with continuing education/training programs in corporate settings, and those involved in the academic disciplines of Education, Psychology, Information Technology, and Library Science. Sponsored by The Fielding Graduate Institute, this extensive reference work is edited by long-time institute members, bringing with them the philosophy and authoritative background of this premier institution. The Fielding Graduate Institute is well known for offering mid-career professionals opportunities for self-directed, mentored study with the flexibility of time and location that enables students to maintain commitments to family, work, and community. The Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning includes over 275 entries, each written by a specialist in that area, giving the reader comprehensive coverage of all aspects of distributed learning, including use of group processes, self-assessment, the life line experience, and developing a learning contract. Topics Covered Administrative Processes Policy, Finance and Governance Social and Cultural Perspectives Student and Faculty Issues Teaching and Learning Processes and Technologies Technical Tools and Supports Key Features * A-to-Z organization plus Reader′s Guide groups entries by broad topic areas * Over 275 entries, each written by a specialist in that area * Comprehensive index and cross-references between entries add to the encyclopedia′s ease of use * Annotated listings for additional resources, including distance learning programs, print and non-print resources, and conferences Advisory Board Tony Bates University of British Columbia Gregory S. Blimling Appalachian State University Ellie Chambers The Open University, U.K. Paul Duguid University of California, Berkeley Kenneth C. Green The Campus Computing Project Linda Harasim Simon Fraser University Sally Johnstone WCET Sara Kiesler Carnegie Mellon University William Maehl Fielding Graduate Institute Michael G. Moore Pennsylvania State University Jeremy Shapiro Fielding Graduate Institute Ralph A. Wolff Executive Director, Western Association of Schools and Colleges

This work provides overviews and summaries of the research and practice of distance education in the USA. It addresses such questions as how distance education is best practised at the level of the teacher, as well as the administrator.

"This encyclopedia offers the most comprehensive coverage of the issues, concepts, trends, and technologies of distance learning. More than 450 international contributors from over 50 countries"--Provided by publisher.

This book provides an introduction and helpful guide to online education for librarians and educators in the K–12, public, and academic library settings. Today's librarians must be comfortable working in online learning environments, teaching information literacy courses, and supporting online students across curricula. With the rapid proliferation of the Internet and online technologies in the last decade, however, it is not uncommon for some library professionals to feel left behind. Designing Online Learning: A Primer for Librarians provides best practices for librarians who are unfamiliar with online education and need guidance in either developing an online course or providing support to faculty and students in online courses. This book offers practical guidance for librarians and educators serving a variety of users, including students and teachers in the K–12, public, and academic library communities. The authors provide a valuable introduction to online teaching and learning that details elementary technologies and technical standards, utilizes case studies that showcase successful programs, and identifies best practices for design, instructor development, and student assessment.

The organization, functioning and the role of libraries in university communities continue to change dramatically. This volume addresses the issue by providing insight into the current changes and developments within the area of library science.

Have changes such as cloud computing, search engines, the Semantic Web, and mobile applications rendered such long-standing academic library services and functions as special collections, interlibrary loans, physical processing, and even library buildings unnecessary? Can the academic library effectively reconceive itself as a virtual institution? Stielow, who led the library program of the online university American Public University System, argues most emphatically that it can. His comprehensive look at web-based academic libraries synthesizes the changes wrought by the Web revolution into a visionary new model, grounded in history as well as personal experience. He demonstrates how existing functions like cataloging, circulation, collection development, reference, and serials management can be transformed by entrepreneurship, human face/electronic communicator relations, web apps, and other innovations. Online education can ensure that libraries remain strong information and knowledge hubs, and his timely book Shows how the origins and history of the academic library have laid the foundation for our current period of flux Identifies practices rooted in print-based storage to consider for elimination, and legacy services ready to be adapted to virtual operations Discusses tools and concepts libraries will embrace in a networked world, including new opportunities for library relevance in bookstore/textbook operations, compliance, library/archival/museum functions, e-publishing, and tutorial services Offers a thorough examination of the virtual library infrastructure crucial for an online learning program, with a special look at the particular needs and responsibilities of online librarians Looks at the evolving relationship between higher education and copyright, and posits how educational technology will bring further changes Bursting with stimulating ideas and wisdom gleaned from first-hand experience, Stielow’s book presents a model for offering outstanding higher education library services in an increasingly online environment.