BRIDGING THE GAP:Synchronous and Asynchronous

Library Services for Distance Learners

Melissa McCushMarch 5, 2009

Norwich University

INTRODUCTION

ACRL Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services, Bill of Rights for the Distance Learning Community:• “Direct Human Access: Direct human access

must be made available to the distance learning community through instruction, interaction, and intervention from library personnel.”

AT ISSUE

Nature of distance education is asynchronous Nature of traditional library services is

synchronous How can we bridge the gap?

SYNCHRONOUSDistance Education Chat room services Videoconferencing

(Instructor-led) Virtual communities Voice tools

Traditional Library Services Instant messaging (Web-

based) In-person

reference/instruction One-on-one phone calls

New Library Services? Instant messaging (VOIP-

based) Videoconferencing

(librarian-led) Co-browsing

ASYCHRONOUSDistance Education Discussion boards Structured tasks Email Learning at one’s own

pace

Traditional Library Services Websites Blogs Email/Mail/Fax Research guides

New Library Services? Screencasts (Subject-

specific) Interactive online tutorials Embedding (in CMS)

SERVICE OPTIONS -SYNCHRONOUS Phone assistance In-person assistance Video conferencing

Co-browsing

Virtual assistance• Web-based IM• VOIP-based IM

In place Infeasible Feasible?• Skype - Ohio University

Feasible?• Morris Msgr - SIUC

Feasible • Meebo (In place)• Skype/Wimba

SERVICE OPTIONS – ASYNCHRONOUS Blogs Research guides Screencasts

Embedding

Interactive online tutorials

In place In place In place, plus• Subject- and resource-

specific needs Feasible?• Blackboard - CCV

Feasible• Flash/HTML• Video

SERVICE FOCUS FOR NORWICH

Synchronous• VOIP-Based IM

Asynchronous• Screencasts• Interactive online tutorials

VOIP-BASED IM

Available through Skype or Wimba Collaboration Suite

Skype• Speech and text• Videoconferencing

Wimba Classroom• Speech and text• Videoconferencing• Interactive environment

BENEFITS

Auditory clues present Eliminates long-distance calling Allows for group/class conferencing Accessible to persons with disabilities

SCREENCASTS

Increasingly widely-used technology• Library-created• Database vendor-created

Wide range of coverage• Introductory• Subject-specific• Resource-specific

BENEFITS

Creates immediacy between user and creator Adaptable to local, distance users Accessible to persons with disabilities System requirements often low Mountable on different devices Addresses multiple learning styles

INTERACTIVE ONLINE TUTORIALS

Large variety available Focus varies• Distance user needs• Information literacy• Search techniques

Engaging, interactive when not primarily text-based

BENEFITS

Replacement for face-to-face instruction Pace of instruction set by student Repeatable (not “one-shot”) Provides instant feedback Reduces uncertainty Structured (hierarchical, step-by-step)

ISSUES

System requirements Dial-up users Technical expertise Bandwidth Marketing Usability Instructor support

IMPLEMENTATION

Integration of new services into SGS gateway• Locally created tutorials • Screencasts of subject- and resource-specific

needs Establish Skype/Wimba Classroom hours

CONCLUSION

Utilize synchronous/asynchronous methods of delivery

Technology allows libraries to “bridge the gap”

Focus on extensibility and accessibility

SOURCES

ACRL. (2008, July 1). Standards for distance learning library services. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/guidelinesdistancelearning.cfm.

Booth, C. (2008, Jan. 9). Reconstituting the video kiosk. Message posted to http://infomational.wordpress.com/.

Brumfield, E. (2008). Using online tutorials to reduce uncertainty in information seeking behavior. Journal of Library Administration, 48(3), 365-377.

Dewald, N., et al. (2000). Information literacy at a distance: Instructional design issues. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 26(1), 33-44.

Graves, S., & Desai, C. (2006). Instruction via chat reference: Does co-browse help?. Reference Services Review, 34(3), 340-357.

Matthew, V., & Schroeder, A. (2006). The embedded librarian program: Faculty and librarians partner to embed personalized library assistance into online courses. EDUCAUSE Quarterly, 29(4), 61-65.

Tucker-Raymond, C. (2005, Dec. 16). Is co-browsing dead? 3 out of 5 librarians agree. Message posted to http://www.oregonlibraries.net/staff/.