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The model suggests that librarians can assume the role of co-supervisor to ensure that the literature review of a doctoral dissertation is comprehensive and relevant. Librarians can also assist research students, make sure their supervisors are kept abreast of new information resources in their research disciplines, and act as a mentor to both student and staff member in library matters. The model was developed in recognition of the special support needs of off campus research students who are disadvantaged by isolation, time and distance. It is anticipated that adoption of the model will lead to increased rates of completion, higher standards of research, an improvement in information and literacy skills of research students and supervisors, and reduced isolation for off campus researchers.

Deakin University in Victoria, Australia has provided a full library service to its off-campus students since its formation in 1977. Electronic access to the catalogue has been available since 1992 and over 150 networked databases including several with full-text are currently in use. Yet despite ready availability and high use of electronic resources, our students are still heavy users of document delivery of books and journal articles, indicating that the so-called virtual library by itself is unlikely to meet the library needs of off-campus users adequately. The paper considers the difficulties facing off-campus students and concludes that access to electronic services and facilities, despite its limitations, offers the best solution to many of the needs of these students. A particular difficulty for many distance students is obtaining the necessary software and setting themselves up to use electronic services. The Deakin Learning Toolkit was developed to meet these needs. Supplied as a free CD-ROM to all students and staff of the University, it provides software, information and tutorials on an easy to install and use disk. Library-related features of the Toolkit are described in detail.