About the Book
If libraries are to remain centers for lifelong learning, then that learning must increasingly be e-learning. But, where can librarians turn for the best ideas and inspiration on how to implement e-learning programs? This book features nine exemplary programs set in all types of libraries. You’ll find proven, successful ways of introducing online credit-based information literacy instruction, innovative methods for teaching critical thinking skills online, ways of using open source software in interactive learning, step-by-step guidance for instructional screencasting, ways to work with faculty on e-learning solutions through streaming video, and how a school library used e-learning to teach about the Holocaust.
These stellar models offer solutions and feature the aspects you and your staff need because they recognize the problems you face. There’s plenty here for all libraries to grab on to and implement to move learning from inside the library to where your users live and work.
Table of Contents:
• Introduction by Linda W. Braun, Consultant, Librarians & Educators Online (LEO)
• “Introducing Online Credit-Based Instruction for Undergraduates” by Lauren Pressley, Wake Forest University Library, Winston-Salem, NC
• “NCompass Live: Educating Nebraska’s Librarians Online” by Christa Burns and Michael P. Sauers, The Nebraska Library Commission
• “Digital Reference that supports E-Learning at the University of California” by Teal Smith and Donald Barclay, University of California, Kolligian Library, Merced
• “The Critical Thinking Skills Initiative: An Information Literacy E-Learning Collaboration”
by Barbara Carrel, Jane Devine, Ann Matsuuchi, and Steven Ovadia, City University of New York Libraries
• “Cutting to the Quick: Library Instruction in the Age of Happy Distraction” by Lura Sanborn, St. Paul’s School Library, Concord, NH
• “Developing and Sharing an Open Source Software Tool that Supports Online, Interactive Learning” by Leslie Sult, The University of Arizona University Libraries, Tucson
• “Screencasting for Instruction & Reference” by Greg Notess, Montana State University Library, Bozeman
• “Promoting Faculty Adoption of E-Learning Solutions and Library Services through Streaming Videos” by Coleen Meyers Martin and Lynn D. Lampert, California State University Library, Northridge
• “E-Learning and Holocaust Education in a School Library” by Margaret Lincoln, Lakeview Schools District, Battle Creek, MI
About the Author :
Charles Harmon is an Executive Editor for the Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group. His background includes work in special, public, and school libraries.
Michael Messina is a reference librarian at the State University of New York’s Maritime College. He has also worked as a researcher at The Brooklyn Academy of Music Archives. The former publisher of Applause Theatre & Cinema Books/Limelight Editions, he is a coeditor of Acts of War: Iraq and Afghanistan in Seven Plays (Northwestern University Press).
Review :
The nine case-study accounts that constitute this collection provide much food for thought for librarians in all types of libraries. Lura Sanborn’s advice on applying lessons she learned from watching YouTube beauty tutorials to creating her own library instruction videos is just one example of the hands-on approach of the contributors. Topics covered include online credit-based instruction for undergraduates, digital reference, information-literacy e-learning collaboration, open-source software that supports online interactive learning, screencasting for instruction and reference, and more. An index and brief information about the editors and contributors are included. Definitely worth the time to read and reap some ideas for developing e-instruction for library patrons.
Presenting nine case studies authored by practitioners in the library field across the United States, this volume will inspire and encourage other libraries who are seeking to enter, or expand, the use of e-learning in libraries. Whether at for-credit courses, integrating with existing courses, informational purposes, or workshops, this book will help all looking to serve the ever-growing users of e-learning. Including examples, steps, success and stumbling blocks, these case studies authored by those involved in the project offer real-world expertise in a down-to-earth manner for anyone seeking to learn more. As students at all levels experience and expect more and more online access to materials and training, libraries need to join this revolution, and this book offers ideas to jumpstart one’s own projects.
This volume is a collection of nine different articles detailing nine different universities and schools' experiences with E-Learning. It is obvious from reading this book that there is no one-size-fits-all or even one definition of what E-Learning looks like. Some models were created out of the necessity of reaching more students with limited staff, while other models were designed as online reference desks or to meet the needs of busy students. Others were designed to take advantage of the wealth of information and resources available to today's student. If you are thinking of creating an online class or tutorial to serve the needs of your students, this book will act as a catalyst. Most chapters include endnotes, several include diagrams and screenshots. This is a timely reference book for academic or secondary librarians.
This slim book highlights nine projects that show some different ways libraries have used elearning. . . .Use it to help you decide what type of elearning you are interested in implementing or to show management what can be done.
The introduction to this book provides an apt and clear overview of the main issues surrounding e-learning. It effectively puts at ease those new to the concepts, allowing for a feeling of self-confidence on the part of the reader and fostering a sense that they, too, can do this. The style of writing is open and easy and not too academic. . . .Overall, this well-written, interesting text provides librarians embarking on e-learning initiatives with inspiration and practical ideas.
