Videoconference Shares Library Resources Throughout Indiana

On November 17, five representatives from the Academic Libraries of Indiana (ALI) Distance Education/Off-Campus Library Services Task Force participated in a videoconference on distance learning with Indiana College Network Learning Center Coordinators.

The Indiana College Network (ICN) is a cooperative service of Indiana’s colleges and universities offering assistance to Indiana residents interested in pursuing a degree via distance learning. The network includes the presence of 59 learning centers throughout the state. As stated at the ICN website, “… learning center coordinators have experience helping distance students conquer their challenges. If they don’t know the answer to your questions, they have the resources to find it for you.”

Top resources for coordinators and students are the technologically savvy staff and thousands of online resources in university and college libraries. Videoconference participants were able to learn about the variety of library services available to distance learners through guided tours of useful web pages. Data sheets outlining major resources and contact information were also provided for future reference.

The exchange of information was two-way, with librarians welcoming and receiving suggestions from coordinators on ways to improve services for distance learners.

“Everyone recognizes library resources are important. The quick response made to suggestions was also appreciated. It shows that the libraries care about their long-distance students,” said Carol Brunty, Manager of Student Services for ICN.

Presenting at the conference were Suzanne Rice, Assistant Dean for Public Services at Ball State University Libraries; Anne Haynes, Distributed Education Library Services Coordinator at Indiana University; Jule Kind, Director of Off Campus Library Services at Indiana Wesleyan University; Susan Mannan, Library Director at Ivy Tech Community College, and Philip Orr, Distance Learning Librarian at University of Southern Indiana.

For additional information, contact Suzanne Rice, Assistant Dean for Public Services, at SRice@bsu.edu or 765/285-1307.