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Although most libraries have developed Web-based library services to emulate
traditional "face to face" interactions, the role of the library
in a virtual university must take on a more proactive role if it is to
sustain its value in the virtual setting. This presentation will discuss
some of the ways in which our library has integrated itself into various
online learning and support programs at the university. It will also provide
examples of what other libraries have done to be included in the virtual
academic community.
In 1998, a study was done to determine the level of library use by the participants
in the university's distance education program. Findings indicated that less
than 3% of the population sampled used the virtual resources offered by the
library. As a result, an investigation into how to better integrate the library
into the distance education program was considered.
This presentation will describe the process by which our library took the
initiative to establish a Web-based tutoring program using WebBoard and then
how the library became involved with the university's online writing lab. By
becoming invovled with these two projects, the library gained additional exposure
to the virtual learning community.
The presentation will conclude with additional ideas and recommendations to
better integrate the library into the virtual academic setting.
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