Virtual delivery of electronic resources and services to off-campus users: A multifaceted approach

SL Bower, SA Mee - Journal of Library Administration, 2010 - Taylor & Francis
SL Bower, SA Mee
Journal of Library Administration, 2010Taylor & Francis
As technologies have evolved and the concept of a true virtual library becomes a reality, the
line between campus and distance learners continues to blur. Past and current
technological change has driven Rochester Institute of Technology Libraries to continually
explore new methods of accessibility and delivery to all users. With the use of software
applications such as Drupal, Desire2Learn, the MetaLib X-Server, EZProxy, and ILLiad, the
ability to virtually deploy resources in a multitude of ways has enabled library collections to …
Abstract
As technologies have evolved and the concept of a true virtual library becomes a reality, the line between campus and distance learners continues to blur. Past and current technological change has driven Rochester Institute of Technology Libraries to continually explore new methods of accessibility and delivery to all users. With the use of software applications such as Drupal, Desire2Learn, the MetaLib X-Server, EZProxy, and ILLiad, the ability to virtually deploy resources in a multitude of ways has enabled library collections to be more accessible to everyone, particularly those learning from a distance, and have allowed user interfaces to function seamlessly and robustly to the user. The development of customized “Meet Your Librarian” Web pages for each reference librarian provides built in contact information via instant messaging widgets and has brought human expertise as well as collections to the users’ desktops. These pages also include subject specific content, such as custom tutorials, subject guides, and program relevant information. Technological advances in instruction methods now allow library instruction to be delivered to remote users via online tutorials, Adobe Connect, and the Access Grid. The success of employing multiple approaches to delivering library services and collections to distance learners that are as robust as those delivered to learners on campus is highlighted.
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