Bridging the distance: bibliographic instruction for remote library users

Lessons learned from ten years of distance learning outreach

OBJECTIVE

The study tested the efficacy of providing distance learning with real-time videoconferencing to broaden high school student knowledge of health careers.

METHODS

A pilot program was tried out and extended over ten years to include other schools in four different time zones and the National Library of Medicine. Survey results, site visits, and continued school participation were used as effectiveness indicators. Student ratings, site visits, and ongoing discussions were used to evaluate critical factors in the program.

RESULTS

Nine program factors contributed to success.

CONCLUSIONS

Synchronous communication can be effective for outreach to special populations given appropriate infrastructure, technology, program design, and implementation.

Remote library access for pharmacy preceptors

OBJECTIVE

To institute and evaluate the response to a program providing access to electronic library resources for pharmacy preceptors.

DESIGN

The pharmacy experiential office and the library collaborated using existing programs and technology to provide and market secure remote access for preceptors.

ASSESSMENT

Preceptor participation was tracked in the experiential office, and response to the program was assessed using an online survey instrument that included questions about use of and preference for specific library resources. Three hundred thirty-four adjunct faculty members registered, representing 34% of all preceptors with active e-mail accounts.

CONCLUSION

Preceptor participation in the program exceeded expectations. Some minor flaws in the logistics of delivering the service were identified and remedied.

Let me show you how it's done! Desktop sharing for distance learning from the D. Samuel Gottesman Library

Due to the proliferation of electronic resources, fewer users visit the library. Traditional classroom instruction and in-person consultations are no longer sufficient in assisting library users. Librarians are constantly seeking new ways to interact with patrons and facilitate efficient use of electronic resources. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a project in which desktop-sharing software was used to reach out to users at remote locations. Various ways of using this tool are described, and challenges and implications for future expansion are discussed.