Distance Learning in Libraries

Introduction | Satellite teleconferencing | Videoconferencing | Online learning
Supporting distance learning in your library | Distance learning opportunities for library staff
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This online resource contains information about distance learning as it pertains to libraries. Please use the navigation menu above to explore this resource in its entirety.

Distance learning is a general term for education or training that takes place when the instructor and students are separated by physical space. Distance learning may take advantage of the latest digital technologies, or rely on a tool as simple as the US Post Office. Correspondence courses are early examples of distance learning.

Distance learning has always had a role in education. Students who were isolated by geography, physical disabilities or family and work responsibilities were given a chance to educate themselves and improve their skills. This is still true today.

However, thanks to the proliferation of high speed telecommunications networks, organizations are looking at new ways to use distance learning. Training that once required instructors and students to travel long distances can now be conducted via videoconferencing. Workshops that once required employees to take time off work can now be taken online. Libraries are only one of many kinds of organizations that are taking advantage of the potential of distance learning.

Distance learning in libraries generally serves two audiences: library patrons and library staff.

Library patrons can benefit greatly from distance learning opportunities. For example, a web-based tutorial on how to use an online catalog not only gives patrons a chance to learn on their own, but saves the reference librarian from having to train as many people. A library that could never afford to have a trainer come talk about child safety and the Internet could very well afford to participate in such a workshop via online methods or videoconferencing.

Library staff are in an excellent position to take advantage of distance learning. Rapidly changing technology and continuing education requirements mean that more library staff are in need of up-to-date and relevant training. Yet budget cuts and busy work schedules make it difficult to take time off work. Distance learning can provide the training staff need without taking them away from their desks for long periods of time. For example, a videoconference on preservation can be downlinked by a library and made available to library staff in-house.

Online courses on a variety of subjects are available on the Internet at reasonable prices; staff can access such training from their desktops and on their own schedules. As more libraries and library patrons gain access to the Internet, distance learning will become more familiar and easy to use. Current bandwidth and memory limitations will become irrelevant as networks improve and libraries purchase more powerful computers. Distance learning for library patrons and staff will offer convenient opportunities for acquiring new skills and knowledge in a flexible, interesting and easy-to-use environment.

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