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Information Literacy Program: Distance and Online Library Services

Mission and Vision

Distance learning library services definition: 

Library services in support of college, university, or other post-secondary courses and programs offered away from a main campus, or in the absence of a physical campus, and regardless of whether or where credit is given. Courses thus supported may be taught in a variety of formats or media, may or may not require physical facilities, and may or may not involve live interaction of teachers and students. The phrase is inclusive of services to courses in all post-secondary programs designated as: extension, extended, off-campus, extended campus, regional or branch campus, distance, distributed, blended, open, flexible, franchising, virtual, massive, synchronous, or asynchronous.

Mission:

It is primarily the responsibility of the E Learning Librarian, with the support of the Research and Instructional Services Unit, to meet the needs of Missouri State University’s distance learning community.  Space, services, and collections must be available to distance students, whether through format or delivery, with resources dedicated to facilitating this.  

Vision: 

We will work to seamlessly provide tools (both synchronous and asynchronous) to our distance learning community that allow them to succeed and thrive in the online learning environment.  As with on campus services and resources, we strive to be welcoming, safe, and intellectually stimulating.  Technology plays a crucial role in distance learning library services, so we will continually scan for the best hardware and software to support library space, service, and collections, especially as Missouri State University’s distance offerings expand and grow. 

 Standards for Distance Learning Library Services, 2016. http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/guidelinesdistancelearning#definitions

Long Range Plan 2023-2028

Collections

  • Work with both existing and new platforms to integrate and highlight OER collections

  • Continue to prioritize digital first when collecting new materials

  • Collaborate with Resource Management and Discovery unit (Content Strategist) to identify collection gaps and needs

  • Continue to work to provide a pathway to physical materials for distance students

  • Make DEIA efforts more visible (and increase in areas lacking)

 

Services

  • LTI integration of Subject Guides in new LMS- Brightspace

  • Review and re-invigorate ‘how-to’ YouTube videos (Tutorial Channel)

  • Student satisfaction assessment

  • Brainstorm new marketing pathways and collaborations

 

Personnel

  • Seek outside professional development opportunities for RIS unit

  • Continue to offer refreshers in existing tech (Zoom, anything SpringShare)

  • Increase collaboration with online programs at MSU

 

Spaces

  • Mindful website changes/updates

  • Rethink Information Literacy Subject Guide