Embedding Library Reference Services in Online Courses

Taking Library Instruction into the Online Classroom: Best Practices for Embedded Librarians

“…Course management systems have been categorized in the professional literature by a variety of terms, including Web-based learning environments and asynchronous learning networks (Beagle, 2000), courseware (Getty, Burd, Burns, & Piele, 2000), course management software packages (Cox, 2002), online courses (Kearley & Phillips, 2004), and learning management systems (Jackson, 2007). A quick glance at the software providers' Web pages shows that they have added their own descriptive labels to their products: Virtual learning environments, course website software, learning content management systems, and virtual classroom systems.…”

Dusty Relic to Shining Treasure: Embedded in a Multicultural Environment

“…Kearley and Phillips (2004) describe embedded librarianship as the practice of course-level participation in online classes.…”

Improving Library Services for Distance Learners: A Literature Review

“…According to Kearley and Phillips (2004), cooperative agreements between many academic libraries within the same state often place even the few physical items mentioned above within the reach of distance learners if they are willing to travel just a short way to the university or community college in their area to make use of them. For example, students living on one side of a state while enrolled at a university that is located on the opposite side of the state can go to the community college or university closest to their home and freely use its microfilm and microfiche on site and can initiate reciprocal borrowing privileges to gain access to CDs, DVDs, and videos that are in the circulating collection.…”

“…Generally speaking, the higher education library in closest proximity to the student would offer access to essentially all of its resources, with the exception of interlibrary loan service and access to databases, which are no cause for concern, because the student's home institution already provides these services. Kearley and Phillips (2004) discussed embedding library services right into online courses. They explain how the University of Wyoming is offering embedded links in the online course platform so that students have the convenience of clicking their way to information regarding the following: doing research from a distance, electronic reserves, online chat with a librarian, research guides by subject, an electronic interlibrary loan form, and style guides and writing resources.…”

“…Strong communication is a fundamental requirement for a strong distance learning library services program. Kearley and Phillips (2004) advised that a cooperative relationship will present librarians with the opportunity to keep faculty abreast of the full range of services available to their students. Likewise, a strong and constant line of communication with campus information technology staff is crucial because distance learning and technology have to exist and work together in this unique learning environment.…”