Where Is the Library in Course Management Software?

Abstract

Course management software (CMS) or courseware products, such as Prometheus, FirstClass, Blackboard, and WebCT, do not include the Library as an essential, curricular component in their design. Consequently, the task falls to librarians to creatively partner with faculty to input library resources into courseware to support students effectively in their research endeavors. Distance learning students, who are off campus, will benefit as they are physically removed from the Library. Distance learners (DLs) can be intimidated by library Web sites and find it difficult and time consuming to navigate. Since the entire course content is in the course management product, the primary source for class information, it makes good sense to include library resources and services in the appropriate areas, such as the syllabus, assignments, projects, etc. Including research resources within courseware enables students to get started on their own in navigating the Library and can provide direct contact information to appropriate library staff for further and deeper resource assistance.

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

“…Other librarians echo these calls to action by bemoaning the lack of library integration into commercial CMS software packages and the need for librarian involvement in their design and implementation (Buehler, 2004;Machevec, 2001;Shank & Dewald, 2003).…”

Getting Personal: Reaching Out to Adult Learners through a Course Management System

“…Buehler pointed out the important role libraries should play in the evaluation and selection of a CMS on campus, particularly with distance learners who are mostly adult learners. 44 With the profile of the adult learner in mind, she states:…”

Creating a Library Resources Tool for WebCT

“…Even as recently as 2004, Buehler was questioning the lack of built-in controls in CMS products to facilitate library linking. Buehler (2004) further explained how her library at the Rochester Institute of Technology worked to remedy this omission to serve a largely distance education population that desperately needed the links to library resources and library assistance. Throughout this time there have been rumblings of coming changes from vendors and organizations working to bridge this gap, such as Council on Library and Information Resources' Academic Librarians Advisory Committee, that in January 2002 met with vendors from the library and course management worlds in an attempt to help guide the future of CMS toward one that includes libraries.…”