Reaching out to online students: librarian perspectives on serving students in distance education

Abstract

The number of college students taking courses through distance education programs has been steadily increasing, thereby requiring librarians to shift their instruction and support to a large group of off-campus users. This study consisted of interviews with practicing librarians in order to better understand what current issues they are facing. Findings included lack of funding and staff, poor contact with adjunct faculty and difficulty working with other departments, increased importance of providing library instruction, and a need for more formal needs assessment. With this knowledge, library services and web sites can be improved upon.