Promoting Distance Learning

Distance Learning Services are important to the future of libraries as a form of dissemination and diffusion of knowledge. An article by Paul Alan Wyss addresses how libraries can promote distance learning services. He focuses on the use in academic libraries. He compares the “problem” to an algebra problem. There are givens and variables and you work with these to achieve a solution. He suggests using the following techniques: systems thinking, process mapping, team learning, and diffusion of information processes.

Systems thinking-he used all of the following strategies to promote library services to distance learning faculty-an introductory email, a hard copy letter, a personal telephone call, a personal office visit, and follow-up emails as services changed. He was disappointed in the response and decided to amend the strategies by including as much in-person promotion as possible, include as much as possible other librarians to promote the service, and continue the written letters and emails but not necessarily as the first step. He saw the exercise as a continuously evolving system.

Process Mapping-with the Distance Learning Librarian in the center of the map the flow can change and flow in any direction. Formal and informal promotion is included in the map’s structure. The distance learning faculty, Distance Learning Dean, the Dean of the Library, and individual librarians among others are pieces of the map.
Team Learning Initiatives- using the work of Senge, Kleiner, Ross, & Smith (1994) in their book The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook: Strategies and Tools for Building a Learning Organization, you identify team members and design the team learning agenda. First, have the team members discuss what they want and how to accomplish it. Second, discuss the current situation and decide if you aspirations can be realistically met. Third, identify team knowledge and expertise and use them where they will be most beneficial. Fourth, make sure your team actually has the desire and commitment for learning.

Diffusion of Innovation Practices-the heart of any service is the positive qualities of the team which he list as enthusiasm, knowledge, organizational skills and excellent service attitude. To these are added knowledge of the audience served and a recognition of the learning styles of distance learners which is integrated with all aspects of the service including procedures, web pages, communication practices, and library instruction.

These 4 processes are used together to come up with the most effective way to promote a distance learning service.

Wyss, P.A. (2007, December). Solving the problem of promoting distance library services.
College Student Journal, 41(4), 747-754. Retrieved March 5, 2008, from Academic Search Complete database.

So what do you think. Are there ways to improve on these techniques to promote the library in distance learning? How about finding ways to directly involve the students in the process?